Digital broadcasting system and method of processing data in the digital broadcasting system

ABSTRACT

A digital broadcast system and data processing method therein are disclosed. A receiving system of the digital broadcast system includes a baseband processor, a table handler, a DSM-CC handler, and a display module. The baseband processor receives a broadcast signal including mobile service data and main service data. The mobile service data configures an RS frame, and the RS frame includes the mobile service data, DSM-CC (digital storage media-command and control) data and a table describing at least one channel configuration information on the mobile service data and signaling information of the DSM-CC data. The table handler extracts the at least one channel configuration information on the mobile service data and the signaling information of the DSM-CC data by parsing the table from the RS frame. The DSM-CC handler parses the DSM-CC data from the RS frame based on the extracted signaling information of the DSM-CC data. The DSM-CC handler stores the parsed DSM-CC data. The DSM-CC handler extracts a download estimated time from the DSM-CC data, and outputs the extracted download estimated time. The display module displays the download estimated time of the DSM-CC data outputted from the DSM-CC handler on a prescribed portion of a screen.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/957,714, filed on Aug. 24, 2007, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/974,084, filed on Sep. 21, 2007, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/977,379, filed on Oct. 4, 2007, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/044,504 filed on Apr. 13, 2008, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/076,686, filed on Jun. 29, 2008 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2008-0082458, filed on Aug. 22, 2008, which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field

The present invention relates to a digital broadcasting system and a method of processing data in a digital broadcasting system for transmitting and receiving digital broadcast signals.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

The Vestigial Sideband (VSB) transmission mode, which is adopted as the standard for digital broadcasting in North America and the Republic of Korea, is a system using a single carrier method. Therefore, the receiving performance of the digital broadcast receiving system may be deteriorated in a poor channel environment. Particularly, since resistance to changes in channels and noise is more highly required when using portable and/or mobile broadcast receivers, the receiving performance may be even more deteriorated when transmitting mobile service data by the VSB transmission mode.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a digital broadcasting system and a data processing method that are highly resistant to channel changes and noise.

Other object of the present invention is to provide a digital broadcast system and data processing method therein, by which a download content for another mobile data broadcast service can be transmitted/received via DSM-CC (digital storage media-command and control) protocol.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a digital broadcast system and data processing method therein, by which a user can be informed of a download predicted time of a download content received via DSM-CC protocol.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a receiving system according to the present invention includes a baseband processor, a table handler, a DSM-CC handler, and a display module. The baseband processor receives a broadcast signal including mobile service data and main service data. The mobile service data configures an RS frame, and the RS frame includes the mobile service data, DSM-CC (digital storage media-command and control) data and a table describing at least one channel configuration information on the mobile service data and signaling information of the DSM-CC data. The table handler extracts the at least one channel configuration information on the mobile service data and the signaling information of the DSM-CC data by parsing the table from the RS frame. The DSM-CC handler parses the DSM-CC data from the RS frame based on the extracted signaling information of the DSM-CC data. The DSM-CC handler stores the parsed DSM-CC data. The DSM-CC handler extracts a download estimated time from the DSM-CC data, and outputs the extracted download estimated time. The display module displays the download estimated time of the DSM-CC data outputted from the DSM-CC handler on a prescribed portion of a screen.

At least one data group configuring the RS frame includes a plurality of known data sequences, a signaling information area is included between a first known data sequence and a second known data sequence among a plurality of the known data sequences, and the signaling information area includes transmission parameter channel (TPC) signaling and fast information channel (FIC) signaling.

The baseband processor further includes a known data detecting unit detecting the known data sequence included in the data group and the detected known data sequence is used for demodulation of the mobile service data and channel equalization.

The signaling information includes at least one selected from the group consisting of stream type information, data broadcast identification information, carousel identification information, application identification information, transaction identification information, DSI (DownloadServerInitiate) time-out information and DII (DownloadInfoIndication) time-out information.

The DSM-CC handler parses a DSI (DownloadServerInitiate) message delivering information on a DSM-CC group from the DSM-CC data and then extracts a download estimated time of a corresponding DSM-CC group from the parsed DSI message.

The DSM-CC handler parses a DII (DownloadServerIndication) message delivering information on a DSM-CC module from the DSM-CC data and then extracts a download estimated time of a corresponding DSM-CC module from the parsed DII message.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of processing data in a receiving system includes the steps of receiving a broadcast signal including mobile service data and main service data, the mobile service data configuring an RS frame, the RS frame including the mobile service data, DSM-CC (digital storage media-command and control) data and a table describing at least one channel configuration information on the mobile service data and signaling information of the DSM-CC data, extracting the at least one channel configuration information on the mobile service data and the signaling information of the DSM-CC data by parsing the table from the RS frame, parsing the DSM-CC data from the RS frame based on the extracted signaling information of the DSM-CC data, storing the parsed DSM-CC data, extracting a download estimated time from the DSM-CC data, outputting the extracted download estimated time, and displaying the download estimated time of the DSM-CC data on a prescribed portion of a screen.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description as well as the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram showing a general structure of a digital broadcasting receiving system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary structure of a data group according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an RS frame according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an MH frame structure for transmitting and receiving mobile service data according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a general VSB frame structure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a example of mapping positions of the first 4 slots of a sub-frame in a spatial area with respect to a VSB frame;

FIG. 7 illustrates a example of mapping positions of the first 4 slots of a sub-frame in a chronological (or time) area with respect to a VSB frame;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary order of data groups being assigned to one of 5 sub-frames configuring an MH frame according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a single parade being assigned to an MH frame according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of 3 parades being assigned to an MH frame according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of the process of assigning 3 parades shown in FIG. 10 being expanded to 5 sub-frames within an MH frame;

FIG. 12 illustrates a data transmission structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein signaling data are included in a data group so as to be transmitted;

FIG. 13 illustrates a hierarchical signaling structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary FIC body format according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure with respect to an FIC segment according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure with respect to a payload of an FIC segment according to the present invention, when an FIC type field value is equal to ‘0’;

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of a service map table according to the present invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MH audio descriptor according to the present invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MH RTP payload type descriptor according to the present invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MH current event descriptor according to the present invention;

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MH next event descriptor according to the present invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MH system time descriptor according to the present invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates segmentation and encapsulation processes of a service map table according to the present invention;

FIG. 24 illustrates a flow chart for accessing a virtual channel using FIC and SMT according to the present invention;

FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an EMT according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of an encoding process for data/object carousel transmission according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a diagram of a protocol stack in case of transmitting DSM-CC data based on IP according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a diagram of an example for representing ‘combination service’ on service_type field of SMT according to the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a diagram of an example for representing ‘DSM-CC data delivery’ on RTP_payload_type field according to the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a diagram of a bitstream syntax structure of a data broadcast descriptor Data_Braodcast_Descriptor( ) according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a diagram of a one-layer data carousel structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a diagram of a two-layer data carousel structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a diagram of a bitstream syntax structure of a download time descriptor according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a diagram of a bitstream syntax structure of a CRC descriptor according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a diagram of a bitstream syntax structure of a compressed descriptor according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a flowchart for a method of receiving a DSM-CC download content according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a diagram of a example for displaying a download predicted time of a DSM-CC download content on a prescribed area of a screen according to the present invention; and

FIG. 38 is a block diagram of a receiving system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. At this time, it is to be understood that the following detailed description of the present invention illustrated in the drawings and described with reference to the drawings are exemplary and explanatory and technical spirits of the present invention and main features and operation of the present invention will not be limited by the following detailed description.

Definition Of The Terms Used In The Present Invention

Although general terms, which are widely used considering functions in the present invention, have been selected in the present invention, they may be changed depending on intention of those skilled in the art, practices, or new technology. Also, in specific case, the applicant may optionally select the terms. In this case, the meaning of the terms will be described in detail in the description part of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that the terms should be defined based upon their meaning not their simple title and the whole description of the present invention.

Among the terms used in the description of the present invention, main service data correspond to data that can be received by a fixed receiving system and may include audio/video (A/V) data. More specifically, the main service data may include A/V data of high definition (HD) or standard definition (SD) levels and may also include diverse data types required for data broadcasting. Also, the known data correspond to data pre-known in accordance with a pre-arranged agreement between the receiving system and the transmitting system.

Additionally, among the terms used in the present invention, “MH” corresponds to the initials of “mobile” and “handheld” and represents the opposite concept of a fixed-type system. Furthermore, the MH service data may include at least one of mobile service data and handheld service data, and will also be referred to as “mobile service data” for simplicity. Herein, the mobile service data not only correspond to MH service data but may also include any type of service data with mobile or portable characteristics. Therefore, the mobile service data according to the present invention are not limited only to the MH service data.

The above-described mobile service data may correspond to data having information, such as program execution files, stock information, and so on, and may also correspond to A/V data. Most particularly, the mobile service data may correspond to A/V data having lower resolution and lower data rate as compared to the main service data. For example, if an A/V codec that is used for a conventional main service corresponds to a MPEG-2 codec, a MPEG-4 advanced video coding (AVC) or scalable video coding (SVC) having better image compression efficiency may be used as the A/V codec for the mobile service. Furthermore, any type of data may be transmitted as the mobile service data. For example, transport protocol expert group (TPEG) data for broadcasting real-time transportation information may be transmitted as the main service data.

Also, a data service using the mobile service data may include weather forecast services, traffic information services, stock information services, viewer participation quiz programs, real-time polls and surveys, interactive education broadcast programs, gaming services, services providing information on synopsis, character, background music, and filming sites of soap operas or series, services providing information on past match scores and player profiles and achievements, and services providing information on product information and programs classified by service, medium, time, and theme enabling purchase orders to be processed. Herein, the present invention is not limited only to the services mentioned above.

In the present invention, the transmitting system provides backward compatibility in the main service data so as to be received by the conventional receiving system. Herein, the main service data and the mobile service data are multiplexed to the same physical channel and then transmitted.

Furthermore, the transmitting system according to the present invention performs additional encoding on the mobile service data and inserts the data already known by the receiving system and transmitting system (e.g., known data), thereby transmitting the processed data.

Therefore, when using the transmitting system according to the present invention, the receiving system may receive the mobile service data during a mobile state and may also receive the mobile service data with stability despite various distortion and noise occurring within the channel.

Receiving System

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram showing a general structure of a receiving system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The receiving system according to the present invention includes a baseband processor 100, a management processor 200, and a presentation processor 300.

The baseband processor 100 includes an operation controller 110, a tuner 120, a demodulator 130, an equalizer 140, a known sequence detector (or known data detector) 150, a block decoder (or mobile handheld block decoder) 160, a primary Reed-Solomon (RS) frame decoder 170, a secondary RS frame decoder 180, and a signaling decoder 190.

The operation controller 110 controls the operation of each block included in the baseband processor 100.

By tuning the receiving system to a specific physical channel frequency, the tuner 120 enables the receiving system to receive main service data, which correspond to broadcast signals for fixed-type broadcast receiving systems, and mobile service data, which correspond to broadcast signals for mobile broadcast receiving systems. At this point, the tuned frequency of the specific physical channel is down-converted to an intermediate frequency (IF) signal, thereby being outputted to the demodulator 130 and the known sequence detector 140. The passband digital IF signal being outputted from the tuner 120 may only include main service data, or only include mobile service data, or include both main service data and mobile service data.

The demodulator 130 performs self-gain control, carrier recovery, and timing recovery processes on the passband digital IF signal inputted from the tuner 120, thereby translating the IF signal to a baseband signal. Then, the demodulator 130 outputs the baseband signal to the equalizer 140 and the known sequence detector 150. The demodulator 130 uses the known data symbol sequence inputted from the known sequence detector 150 during the timing and/or carrier recovery, thereby enhancing the demodulating performance.

The equalizer 140 compensates channel-associated distortion included in the signal demodulated by the demodulator 130. Then, the equalizer 140 outputs the distortion-compensated signal to the block decoder 160. By using a known data symbol sequence inputted from the known sequence detector 150, the equalizer 140 may enhance the equalizing performance. Furthermore, the equalizer 140 may receive feed-back on the decoding result from the block decoder 160, thereby enhancing the equalizing performance.

The known sequence detector 150 detects known data place (or position) inserted by the transmitting system from the input/output data (i.e., data prior to being demodulated or data being processed with partial demodulation). Then, the known sequence detector 150 outputs the detected known data position information and known data sequence generated from the detected position information to the demodulator 130 and the equalizer 140. Additionally, in order to allow the block decoder 160 to identify the mobile service data that have been processed with additional encoding by the transmitting system and the main service data that have not been processed with any additional encoding, the known sequence detector 150 outputs such corresponding information to the block decoder 160.

If the data channel-equalized by the equalizer 140 and inputted to the block decoder 160 correspond to data processed with both block-encoding and trellis-encoding by the transmitting system (i.e., data within the RS frame, signaling data), the block decoder 160 may perform trellis-decoding and block-decoding as inverse processes of the transmitting system. On the other hand, if the data channel-equalized by the equalizer 140 and inputted to the block decoder 160 correspond to data processed only with trellis-encoding and not block-encoding by the transmitting system (i.e., main service data), the block decoder 160 may perform only trellis-decoding.

The signaling decoder 190 decoded signaling data that have been channel-equalized and inputted from the equalizer 140. It is assumed that the signaling data inputted to the signaling decoder 190 correspond to data processed with both block-encoding and trellis-encoding by the transmitting system. Examples of such signaling data may include transmission parameter channel (TPC) data and fast information channel (FIC) data. Each type of data will be described in more detail in a later process. The FIC data decoded by the signaling decoder 190 are outputted to the FIC handler 215. And, the TPC data decoded by the signaling decoder 190 are outputted to the TPC handler 214.

Meanwhile, according to the present invention, the transmitting system uses RS frames by encoding units. Herein, the RS frame may be divided into a primary RS frame and a secondary RS frame. However, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the primary RS frame and the secondary RS frame will be divided based upon the level of importance of the corresponding data.

The primary RS frame decoder 170 receives the data outputted from the block decoder 160. At this point, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the primary RS frame decoder 170 receives only the mobile service data that have been Reed-Solomon (RS)-encoded and/or cyclic redundancy check (CRC)-encoded from the block decoder 160. Herein, the primary RS frame decoder 170 receives only the mobile service data and not the main service data. The primary RS frame decoder 170 performs inverse processes of an RS frame encoder (not shown) included in the transmitting system, thereby correcting errors existing within the primary RS frame. More specifically, the primary RS frame decoder 170 forms a primary RS frame by grouping a plurality of data groups and, then, correct errors in primary RS frame units. In other words, the primary RS frame decoder 170 decodes primary RS frames, which are being transmitted for actual broadcast services.

Additionally, the secondary RS frame decoder 180 receives the data outputted from the block decoder 160. At this point, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the secondary RS frame decoder 180 receives only the mobile service data that have been RS-encoded and/or CRC-encoded from the block decoder 160. Herein, the secondary RS frame decoder 180 receives only the mobile service data and not the main service data. The secondary RS frame decoder 180 performs inverse processes of an RS frame encoder (not shown) included in the transmitting system, thereby correcting errors existing within the secondary RS frame. More specifically, the secondary RS frame decoder 180 forms a secondary RS frame by grouping a plurality of data groups and, then, correct errors in secondary RS frame units. In other words, the secondary RS frame decoder 180 decodes secondary RS frames, which are being transmitted for mobile audio service data, mobile video service data, guide data, and so on.

Meanwhile, the management processor 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an MH physical adaptation processor 210, an IP network stack 220, a streaming handler 230, a system information (SI) handler 240, a file handler 250, a multi-purpose internet main extensions (MIME) type handler 260, and an electronic service guide (ESG) handler 270, and an ESG decoder 280, and a storage unit 290.

The MH physical adaptation processor 210 includes a primary RS frame handler 211, a secondary RS frame handler 212, an MH transport packet (TP) handler 213, a TPC handler 214, an FIC handler 215, and a physical adaptation control signal handler 216.

The TPC handler 214 receives and processes baseband information required by modules corresponding to the MH physical adaptation processor 210. The baseband information is inputted in the form of TPC data. Herein, the TPC handler 214 uses this information to process the FIC data, which have been sent from the baseband processor 100.

The TPC data are transmitted from the transmitting system to the receiving system via a predetermined region of a data group. The TPC data may include at least one of an MH ensemble ID, an MH sub-frame number, a total number of MH groups (TNoG), an RS frame continuity counter, a column size of RS frame (N), and an FIC version number.

Herein, the MH ensemble ID indicates an identification number of each MH ensemble carried in the corresponding channel.

The MH sub-frame number signifies a number identifying the MH sub-frame number in an MH frame, wherein each MH group associated with the corresponding MH ensemble is transmitted.

The TNoG represents the total number of MH groups including all of the MH groups belonging to all MH parades included in an MH sub-frame.

The RS frame continuity counter indicates a number that serves as a continuity counter of the RS frames carrying the corresponding MH ensemble. Herein, the value of the RS frame continuity counter shall be incremented by 1 modulo 16 for each successive RS frame.

N represents the column size of an RS frame belonging to the corresponding MH ensemble. Herein, the value of N determines the size of each MH TP.

Finally, the FIC version number signifies the version number of an FIC carried on the corresponding physical channel.

As described above, diverse TPC data are inputted to the TPC handler 214 via the signaling decoder 190 shown in FIG. 1. Then, the received TPC data are processed by the TPC handler 214. The received TPC data may also be used by the FIC handler 215 in order to process the FIC data.

The FIC handler 215 processes the FIC data by associating the FIC data received from the baseband processor 100 with the TPC data.

The physical adaptation control signal handler 216 collects FIC data received through the FIC handler 215 and SI data received through RS frames. Then, the physical adaptation control signal handler 216 uses the collected FIC data and SI data to configure and process IP datagrams and access information of mobile broadcast services. Thereafter, the physical adaptation control signal handler 216 stores the processed IP datagrams and access information to the storage unit 290.

The primary RS frame handler 211 identifies primary RS frames received from the primary RS frame decoder 170 of the baseband processor 100 for each row unit, so as to configure an MH TP. Thereafter, the primary RS frame handler 211 outputs the configured MH TP to the MH TP handler 213.

The secondary RS frame handler 212 identifies secondary RS frames received from the secondary RS frame decoder 180 of the baseband processor 100 for each row unit, so as to configure an MH TP. Thereafter, the secondary RS frame handler 212 outputs the configured MH TP to the MH TP handler 213.

The MH transport packet (TP) handler 213 extracts a header from each MH TP received from the primary RS frame handler 211 and the secondary RS frame handler 212, thereby determining the data included in the corresponding MH TP. Then, when the determined data correspond to SI data (i.e., SI data that are not encapsulated to IP datagrams), the corresponding data are outputted to the physical adaptation control signal handler 216. Alternatively, when the determined data correspond to an IP datagram, the corresponding data are outputted to the IP network stack 220.

The IP network stack 220 processes broadcast data that are being transmitted in the form of IP datagrams. More specifically, the IP network stack 220 processes data that are inputted via user datagram protocol (UDP), real-time transport protocol (RTP), real-time transport control protocol (RTCP), asynchronous layered coding/layered coding transport (ALC/LCT), file delivery over unidirectional transport (FLUTE), and so on. Herein, when the processed data correspond to streaming data, the corresponding data are outputted to the streaming handler 230. And, when the processed data correspond to data in a file format, the corresponding data are outputted to the file handler 250. Finally, when the processed data correspond to SI-associated data, the corresponding data are outputted to the SI handler 240.

The SI handler 240 receives and processes SI data having the form of IP datagrams, which are inputted to the IP network stack 220.

When the inputted data associated with SI correspond to MIME-type data, the inputted data are outputted to the MIME-type handler 260.

The MIME-type handler 260 receives the MIME-type SI data outputted from the SI handler 240 and processes the received MIME-type SI data.

The file handler 250 receives data from the IP network stack 220 in an object format in accordance with the ALC/LCT and FLUTE structures. The file handler 250 groups the received data to create a file format. Herein, when the corresponding file includes ESG, the file is outputted to the ESG handler 270. On the other hand, when the corresponding file includes data for other file-based services, the file is outputted to the presentation controller 330 of the presentation processor 300.

The ESG handler 270 processes the ESG data received from the file handler 250 and stores the processed ESG data to the storage unit 290. Alternatively, the ESG handler 270 may output the processed ESG data to the ESG decoder 280, thereby allowing the ESG data to be used by the ESG decoder 280.

The storage unit 290 stores the system information (SI) received from the physical adaptation control signal handler 210 and the ESG handler 270 therein. Thereafter, the storage unit 290 transmits the stored SI data to each block.

The ESG decoder 280 either recovers the ESG data and SI data stored in the storage unit 290 or recovers the ESG data transmitted from the ESG handler 270. Then, the ESG decoder 280 outputs the recovered data to the presentation controller 330 in a format that can be outputted to the user.

The streaming handler 230 receives data from the IP network stack 220, wherein the format of the received data are in accordance with RTP and/or RTCP structures. The streaming handler 230 extracts audio/video streams from the received data, which are then outputted to the audio/video (A/V) decoder 310 of the presentation processor 300. The audio/video decoder 310 then decodes each of the audio stream and video stream received from the streaming handler 230.

The display module 320 of the presentation processor 300 receives audio and video signals respectively decoded by the A/V decoder 310. Then, the display module 320 provides the received audio and video signals to the user through a speaker and/or a screen.

The presentation controller 330 corresponds to a controller managing modules that output data received by the receiving system to the user.

The channel service manager 340 manages an interface with the user, which enables the user to use channel-based broadcast services, such as channel map management, channel service connection, and so on.

The application manager 350 manages an interface with a user using ESG display or other application services that do not correspond to channel-based services.

Data Format Structure

Meanwhile, the data structure used in the mobile broadcasting technology according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a data group structure and an RS frame structure, which will now be described in detail.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary structure of a data group according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an example of dividing a data group according to the data structure of the present invention into 10 MH blocks (i.e., MH block 1 (B1) to MH block 10 (B10)). In this example, each MH block has the length of 16 segments. Referring to FIG. 2, only the RS parity data are allocated to portions of the previous 5 segments of the MH block 1 (B1) and the next 5 segments of the MH block 10 (B10). The RS parity data are excluded in regions A to D of the data group.

More specifically, when it is assumed that one data group is divided into regions A, B, C, and D, each MH block may be included in any one of region A to region D depending upon the characteristic of each MH block within the data group. Herein, the data group is divided into a plurality of regions to be used for different purposes. More specifically, a region of the main service data having no interference or a very low interference level may be considered to have a more resistant (or stronger) receiving performance as compared to regions having higher interference levels. Additionally, when using a system inserting and transmitting known data in the data group, wherein the known data are known based upon an agreement between the transmitting system and the receiving system, and when consecutively long known data are to be periodically inserted in the mobile service data, the known data having a predetermined length may be periodically inserted in the region having no interference from the main service data (i.e., a region wherein the main service data are not mixed). However, due to interference from the main service data, it is difficult to periodically insert known data and also to insert consecutively long known data to a region having interference from the main service data.

Referring to FIG. 2, MH block 4 (B4) to MH block 7 (B7) correspond to regions without interference of the main service data. MH block 4 (B4) to MH block 7 (B7) within the data group shown in FIG. 2 correspond to a region where no interference from the main service data occurs. In this example, a long known data sequence is inserted at both the beginning and end of each MH block. In the description of the present invention, the region including MH block 4 (B4) to MH block 7 (B7) will be referred to as “region A (=B4+B5+B6+B7)”. As described above, when the data group includes region A having a long known data sequence inserted at both the beginning and end of each MH block, the receiving system is capable of performing equalization by using the channel information that can be obtained from the known data. Therefore, the strongest equalizing performance may be yielded (or obtained) from one of region A to region D.

In the example of the data group shown in FIG. 2, MH block 3 (B3) and MH block 8 (B8) correspond to a region having little interference from the main service data. Herein, a long known data sequence is inserted in only one side of each MH block B3 and B8. More specifically, due to the interference from the main service data, a long known data sequence is inserted at the end of MH block 3 (B3), and another long known data sequence is inserted at the beginning of MH block 8 (B8). In the present invention, the region including MH block 3 (B3) and MH block 8 (B8) will be referred to as “region B (=B3+B8)”. As described above, when the data group includes region B having a long known data sequence inserted at only one side (beginning or end) of each MH block, the receiving system is capable of performing equalization by using the channel information that can be obtained from the known data. Therefore, a stronger equalizing performance as compared to region C/D may be yielded (or obtained).

Referring to FIG. 2, MH block 2 (B2) and MH block 9 (B9) correspond to a region having more interference from the main service data as compared to region B. A long known data sequence cannot be inserted in any side of MH block 2 (B2) and MH block 9 (B9). Herein, the region including MH block 2 (B2) and MH block 9 (B9) will be referred to as “region C (=B2+B9)”.

Finally, in the example shown in FIG. 2, MH block 1 (B1) and MH block 10 (B10) correspond to a region having more interference from the main service data as compared to region C. Similarly, a long known data sequence cannot be inserted in any side of MH block 1 (B1) and MH block 10 (B10). Herein, the region including MH block 1 (B1) and MH block 10 (B10) will be referred to as “region D (=B1+B10)”. Since region C/D is spaced further apart from the known data sequence, when the channel environment undergoes frequent and abrupt changes, the receiving performance of region C/D may be deteriorated.

Additionally, the data group includes a signaling information area wherein signaling information is assigned (or allocated).

In the present invention, the signaling information area may start from the 1^(st) segment of the 4^(th) MH block (B4) to a portion of the 2^(nd) segment. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the signaling information area for inserting signaling information may start from the 1^(st) segment of the 4^(th) MH block (B4) to a portion of the 2^(nd) segment.

More specifically, 276(=207+69) bytes of the 4^(th) MH block (B4) in each data group are assigned as the signaling information area. In other words, the signaling information area consists of 207 bytes of the 1^(st) segment and the first 69 bytes of the 2^(nd) segment of the 4^(th) MH block (B4). The 1^(st) segment of the 4^(th) MH block (B4) corresponds to the 17^(th) or 173^(rd) segment of a VSB field.

Herein, the signaling information may be identified by two different types of signaling channels: a transmission parameter channel (TPC) and a fast information channel (FIC).

Herein, the TPC data may include at least one of an MH ensemble ID, an MH sub-frame number, a total number of MH groups (TNoG), an RS frame continuity counter, a column size of RS frame (N), and an FIC version number. However, the TPC data (or information) presented herein are merely exemplary. And, since the adding or deleting of signaling information included in the TPC data may be easily adjusted and modified by one skilled in the art, the present invention will, therefore, not be limited to the examples set forth herein. Furthermore, the FIC is provided to enable a fast service acquisition of data receivers, and the FIC includes cross layer information between the physical layer and the upper layer(s).

For example, when the data group includes 6 known data sequences, as shown in FIG. 2, the signaling information area is located between the first known data sequence and the second known data sequence. More specifically, the first known data sequence is inserted in the last 2 segments of the 3^(rd) MH block (B3), and the second known data sequence in inserted in the 2^(nd) and 3^(rd) segments of the 4^(th) MH block (B4). Furthermore, the 3^(rd) to 6^(th) known data sequences are respectively inserted in the last 2 segments of each of the 4^(th), 5^(th), 6^(th), and 7^(th) MH blocks (B4, B5, B6, and B7). The 1^(st) and 3^(rd) to 6^(th) known data sequences are spaced apart by 16 segments.

FIG. 3 illustrates an RS frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The RS frame shown in FIG. 3 corresponds to a collection of one or more data groups. The RS frame is received for each MH frame in a condition where the receiving system receives the FIC and processes the received FIC and where the receiving system is switched to a time-slicing mode so that the receiving system can receive MH ensembles including ESG entry points. Each RS frame includes IP streams of each service or ESG, and SMT section data may exist in all RS frames.

The RS frame according to the embodiment of the present invention consists of at least one MH transport packet (TP). Herein, the MH TP includes an MH header and an MH payload.

The MH payload may include mobile service data as well as signaling data. More specifically, an MH payload may include only mobile service data, or may include only signaling data, or may include both mobile service data and signaling data.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the MH header may identify (or distinguish) the data types included in the MH payload. More specifically, when the MH TP includes a first MH header, this indicates that the MH payload includes only the signaling data. Also, when the MH TP includes a second MH header, this indicates that the MH payload includes both the signaling data and the mobile service data. Finally, when MH TP includes a third MH header, this indicates that the MH payload includes only the mobile service data.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the RS frame is assigned with IP datagrams (IP datagram 1 and IP datagram 2) for two service types.

Data Transmission Structure

FIG. 4 illustrates a structure of a MH frame for transmitting and receiving mobile service data according to the present invention. In the example shown in FIG. 4, one MH frame consists of 5 sub-frames, wherein each sub-frame includes 16 slots. In this case, the MH frame according to the present invention includes 5 sub-frames and 80 slots.

Also, in a packet level, one slot is configured of 156 data packets (i.e., transport stream packets), and in a symbol level, one slot is configured of 156 data segments. Herein, the size of one slot corresponds to one half (½) of a VSB field. More specifically, since one 207-byte data packet has the same amount of data as a data segment, a data packet prior to being interleaved may also be used as a data segment. At this point, two VSB fields are grouped to form a VSB frame.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary structure of a VSB frame, wherein one VSB frame consists of 2 VSB fields (i.e., an odd field and an even field). Herein, each VSB field includes a field synchronization segment and 312 data segments.

The slot corresponds to a basic time unit for multiplexing the mobile service data and the main service data. Herein, one slot may either include the mobile service data or be configured only of the main service data.

If the first 118 data packets within the slot correspond to a data group, the remaining 38 data packets become the main service data packets. In another example, when no data group exists in a slot, the corresponding slot is configured of 156 main service data packets.

Meanwhile, when the slots are assigned to a VSB frame, an off-set exists for each assigned position.

FIG. 6 illustrates a mapping example of the positions to which the first 4 slots of a sub-frame are assigned with respect to a VSB frame in a spatial area. And, FIG. 7 illustrates a mapping example of the positions to which the first 4 slots of a sub-frame are assigned with respect to a VSB frame in a chronological (or time) area.

Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, a 38^(th) data packet (TS packet #37) of a 1^(st) slot (Slot #0) is mapped to the 1^(st) data packet of an odd VSB field. A 38^(th) data packet (TS packet #37) of a 2^(nd) slot (Slot #1) is mapped to the 157^(th) data packet of an odd VSB field. Also, a 38^(th) data packet (TS packet #37) of a 3^(rd) slot (Slot #2) is mapped to the 1^(st) data packet of an even VSB field. And, a 38^(th) data packet (TS packet #37) of a 4^(th) slot (Slot #3) is mapped to the 157^(th) data packet of an even VSB field. Similarly, the remaining 12 slots within the corresponding sub-frame are mapped in the subsequent VSB frames using the same method.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary assignment order of data groups being assigned to one of 5 sub-frames, wherein the 5 sub-frames configure an MH frame. For example, the method of assigning data groups may be identically applied to all MH frames or differently applied to each MH frame. Furthermore, the method of assigning data groups may be identically applied to all sub-frames or differently applied to each sub-frame. At this point, when it is assumed that the data groups are assigned using the same method in all sub-frames of the corresponding MH frame, the total number of data groups being assigned to an MH frame is equal to a multiple of ‘5’.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of consecutive data groups is assigned to be spaced as far apart from one another as possible within the sub-frame. Thus, the system can be capable of responding promptly and effectively to any burst error that may occur within a sub-frame.

For example, when it is assumed that 3 data groups are assigned to a sub-frame, the data groups are assigned to a 1^(st) slot (Slot #0), a 5^(th) slot (Slot #4), and a 9^(th) slot (Slot #8) in the sub-frame, respectively. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of assigning 16 data groups in one sub-frame using the above-described pattern (or rule). In other words, each data group is serially assigned to 16 slots corresponding to the following numbers: 0, 8, 4, 12, 1, 9, 5, 13, 2, 10, 6, 14, 3, 11, 7, and 15. Equation 1 below shows the above-described rule (or pattern) for assigning data groups in a sub-frame.

$\begin{matrix} {{j = {\left( {{4i} + 0} \right)\mspace{14mu}{mod}\mspace{14mu} 16}}{{Herein},\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} {{0 = {{0\mspace{14mu}{if}\mspace{14mu} i} < 4}},} \\ {{0 = {{2\mspace{14mu}{else}\mspace{14mu}{if}\mspace{14mu} i} < 8}},} \end{matrix} \\ {{0 = {{1\mspace{14mu}{else}\mspace{14mu}{if}\mspace{14mu} i} < 12}},} \end{matrix} \\ {0 = {3\mspace{14mu}{{else}.}}} \end{matrix}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 1} \end{matrix}$

Herein, j indicates the slot number within a sub-frame. The value of j may range from 0 to 15 (i.e., 0≦j≦15). Also, variable i indicates the data group number. The value of i may range from 0 to 15 (i.e., 0≦i≦15).

In the present invention, a collection of data groups included in a MH frame will be referred to as a “parade”. Based upon the RS frame mode, the parade transmits data of at least one specific RS frame.

The mobile service data within one RS frame may be assigned either to all of regions A/B/C/D within the corresponding data group, or to at least one of regions A/B/C/D. In the embodiment of the present invention, the mobile service data within one RS frame may be assigned either to all of regions A/B/C/D, or to at least one of regions A/B and regions C/D. If the mobile service data are assigned to the latter case (i.e., one of regions A/B and regions C/D), the RS frame being assigned to regions A/B and the RS frame being assigned to regions C/D within the corresponding data group are different from one another. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the RS frame being assigned to regions A/B within the corresponding data group will be referred to as a “primary RS frame”, and the RS frame being assigned to regions C/D within the corresponding data group will be referred to as a “secondary RS frame”, for simplicity. Also, the primary RS frame and the secondary RS frame form (or configure) one parade. More specifically, when the mobile service data within one RS frame are assigned either to all of regions A/B/C/D within the corresponding data group, one parade transmits one RS frame. Conversely, when the mobile service data within one RS frame are assigned either to at least one of regions A/B and regions C/D, one parade may transmit up to 2 RS frames.

More specifically, the RS frame mode indicates whether a parade transmits one RS frame, or whether the parade transmits two RS frames. Such RS frame mode is transmitted as the above-described TPC data.

Table 1 below shows an example of the RS frame mode.

TABLE 1 RS frame mode (2 bits) Description 00 There is only one primary RS frame for all group regions 01 There are two separate RS frames. Primary RS frame for group regions A and B Secondary RS frame for group regions C and D 10 Reserved 11 Reserved

Table 1 illustrates an example of allocating 2 bits in order to indicate the RS frame mode. For example, referring to Table 1, when the RS frame mode value is equal to ‘00’, this indicates that one parade transmits one RS frame. And, when the RS frame mode value is equal to ‘01’, this indicates that one parade transmits two RS frames, i.e., the primary RS frame and the secondary RS frame. More specifically, when the RS frame mode value is equal to ‘01’, data of the primary RS frame for regions A/B are assigned and transmitted to regions A/B of the corresponding data group. Similarly, data of the secondary RS frame for regions C/D are assigned and transmitted to regions C/D of the corresponding data group.

As described in the assignment of data groups, the parades are also assigned to be spaced as far apart from one another as possible within the sub-frame. Thus, the system can be capable of responding promptly and effectively to any burst error that may occur within a sub-frame.

Furthermore, the method of assigning parades may be identically applied to all MH frames or differently applied to each MH frame. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the parades may be assigned differently for each MH frame and identically for all sub-frames within an MH frame. More specifically, the MH frame structure may vary by MH frame units. Thus, an ensemble rate may be adjusted on a more frequent and flexible basis.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of multiple data groups of a single parade being assigned (or allocated) to an MH frame. More specifically, FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a plurality of data groups included in a single parade, wherein the number of data groups included in a sub-frame is equal to ‘3’, being allocated to an MH frame.

Referring to FIG. 9, 3 data groups are sequentially assigned to a sub-frame at a cycle period of 4 slots. Accordingly, when this process is equally performed in the 5 sub-frames included in the corresponding MH frame, 15 data groups are assigned to a single MH frame. Herein, the 15 data groups correspond to data groups included in a parade. Therefore, since one sub-frame is configured of 4 VSB frame, and since 3 data groups are included in a sub-frame, the data group of the corresponding parade is not assigned to one of the 4 VSB frames within a sub-frame.

For example, when it is assumed that one parade transmits one RS frame, and that a RS frame encoder (not shown) included in the transmitting system performs RS-encoding on the corresponding RS frame, thereby adding 24 bytes of parity data to the corresponding RS frame and transmitting the processed RS frame, the parity data occupy approximately 11.37% (=24/(187+24)×100) of the total code word length. Meanwhile, when one sub-frame includes 3 data groups, and when the data groups included in the parade are assigned, as shown in FIG. 9, a total of 15 data groups form an RS frame. Accordingly, even when an error occurs in an entire data group due to a burst noise within a channel, the percentile is merely 6.67% (= 1/15×100). Therefore, the receiving system may correct all errors by performing an erasure RS decoding process. More specifically, when the erasure RS decoding is performed, a number of channel errors corresponding to the number of RS parity bytes may be corrected. By doing so, the receiving system may correct the error of at least one data group within one parade. Thus, the minimum burst noise length correctable by a RS frame is over 1 VSB frame.

Meanwhile, when data groups of a parade are assigned as shown in FIG. 9, either main service data may be assigned between each data group, or data groups corresponding to different parades may be assigned between each data group. More specifically, data groups corresponding to multiple parades may be assigned to one MH frame.

Basically, the method of assigning data groups corresponding to multiple parades is very similar to the method of assigning data groups corresponding to a single parade. In other words, data groups included in other parades that are to be assigned to an MH frame are also respectively assigned according to a cycle period of 4 slots.

At this point, data groups of a different parade may be sequentially assigned to the respective slots in a circular method. Herein, the data groups are assigned to slots starting from the ones to which data groups of the previous parade have not yet been assigned.

For example, when it is assumed that data groups corresponding to a parade are assigned as shown in FIG. 9, data groups corresponding to the next parade may be assigned to a sub-frame starting either from the 12^(th) slot of a sub-frame. However, this is merely exemplary. In another example, the data groups of the next parade may also be sequentially assigned to a different slot within a sub-frame at a cycle period of 4 slots starting from the 3^(rd) slot.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of transmitting 3 parades (Parade #0, Parade #1, and Parade #2) to an MH frame. More specifically, FIG. 10 illustrates an example of transmitting parades included in one of 5 sub-frames, wherein the 5 sub-frames configure one MH frame.

When the 1^(st) parade (Parade #0) includes 3 data groups for each sub-frame, the positions of each data groups within the sub-frames may be obtained by substituting values ‘0’ to ‘2’ for i in Equation 1. More specifically, the data groups of the 1^(st) parade (Parade #0) are sequentially assigned to the 1^(st), 5^(th), and 9^(th) slots (Slot #0, Slot #4, and Slot #8) within the sub-frame.

Also, when the 2^(nd) parade includes 2 data groups for each sub-frame, the positions of each data groups within the sub-frames may be obtained by substituting values ‘3’ and ‘4’ for i in Equation 1. More specifically, the data groups of the 2^(nd) parade (Parade #1) are sequentially assigned to the 2^(nd) and 12^(th) slots (Slot #1 and Slot #11) within the sub-frame.

Finally, when the 3^(rd) parade includes 2 data groups for each sub-frame, the positions of each data groups within the sub-frames may be obtained by substituting values ‘5’ and ‘6’ for i in Equation 1. More specifically, the data groups of the 3^(rd) parade (Parade #2) are sequentially assigned to the 7^(th) and 11^(th) slots (Slot #6 and Slot #10) within the sub-frame.

As described above, data groups of multiple parades may be assigned to a single MH frame, and, in each sub-frame, the data groups are serially allocated to a group space having 4 slots from left to right.

Therefore, a number of groups of one parade per sub-frame (NoG) may correspond to any one integer from ‘1’ to ‘8’. Herein, since one MH frame includes 5 sub-frames, the total number of data groups within a parade that can be allocated to an MH frame may correspond to any one multiple of ‘5’ ranging from ‘5’ to ‘40’.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of expanding the assignment process of 3 parades, shown in FIG. 10, to 5 sub-frames within an MH frame.

FIG. 12 illustrates a data transmission structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein signaling data are included in a data group so as to be transmitted.

As described above, an MH frame is divided into 5 sub-frames. Data groups corresponding to a plurality of parades co-exist in each sub-frame. Herein, the data groups corresponding to each parade are grouped by MH frame units, thereby configuring a single parade.

The data structure shown in FIG. 12 includes 3 parades, one ESG dedicated channel (EDC) parade (i.e., parade with NoG=1), and 2 service parades (i.e., parade with NoG=4 and parade with NoG=3). Also, a predetermined portion of each data group (i.e., 37 bytes/data group) is used for delivering (or sending) FIC information associated with mobile service data, wherein the FIC information is separately encoded from the RS-encoding process. The FIC region assigned to each data group consists of one FIC segments. Herein, each segment is interleaved by MH sub-frame units, thereby configuring an FIC body, which corresponds to a completed FIC transmission structure. However, whenever required, each segment may be interleaved by MH frame units and not by MH sub-frame units, thereby being completed in MH frame units.

Meanwhile, the concept of an MH ensemble is applied in the embodiment of the present invention, thereby defining a collection (or group) of services. Each MH ensemble carries the same QoS and is coded with the same FEC code. Also, each MH ensemble has the same unique identifier (i.e., ensemble ID) and corresponds to consecutive RS frames.

As shown in FIG. 12, the FIC segment corresponding to each data group described service information of an MH ensemble to which the corresponding data group belongs. When FIC segments within a sub-frame are grouped and deinterleaved, all service information of a physical channel through which the corresponding FICs are transmitted may be obtained. Therefore, the receiving system may be able to acquire the channel information of the corresponding physical channel, after being processed with physical channel tuning, during a sub-frame period.

Furthermore, FIG. 12 illustrates a structure further including a separate EDC parade apart from the service parade and wherein electronic service guide (ESG) data are transmitted in the 1^(st) slot of each sub-frame.

Hierarchical Signaling Structure

FIG. 13 illustrates a hierarchical signaling structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, the mobile broadcasting technology according to the embodiment of the present invention adopts a signaling method using FIC and SMT. In the description of the present invention, the signaling structure will be referred to as a hierarchical signaling structure.

Hereinafter, a detailed description on how the receiving system accesses a virtual channel via FIC and SMT will now be given with reference to FIG. 13.

The FIC body defined in an MH transport (M1) identifies the physical location of each the data stream for each virtual channel and provides very high level descriptions of each virtual channel.

Being MH ensemble level signaling information, the service map table (SMT) provides MH ensemble level signaling information. The SMT provides the IP access information of each virtual channel belonging to the respective MH ensemble within which the SMT is carried. The SMT also provides all IP stream component level information required for the virtual channel service acquisition.

Referring to FIG. 13, each MH ensemble (i.e., Ensemble 0, Ensemble 1, . . . , Ensemble K) includes a stream information on each associated (or corresponding) virtual channel (e.g., virtual channel 0 IP stream, virtual channel 1 IP stream, and virtual channel 2 IP stream). For example, Ensemble 0 includes virtual channel 0 IP stream and virtual channel 1 IP stream. And, each MH ensemble includes diverse information on the associated virtual channel (i.e., Virtual Channel 0 Table Entry, Virtual Channel 0 Access Info, Virtual Channel 1 Table Entry, Virtual Channel 1 Access Info, Virtual Channel 2 Table Entry, Virtual Channel 2 Access Info, Virtual Channel N Table Entry, Virtual Channel N Access Info, and so on).

The FIC body payload includes information on MH ensembles (e.g., ensemble_id field, and referred to as “ensemble location” in FIG. 13) and information on a virtual channel associated with the corresponding MH ensemble (e.g., when such information corresponds to a major_channel_num field and a minor_channel_num field, the information is expressed as Virtual Channel 0, Virtual Channel 1, . . . , Virtual Channel N in FIG. 13).

The application of the signaling structure in the receiving system will now be described in detail.

When a user selects a channel he or she wishes to view (hereinafter, the user-selected channel will be referred to as “channel θ” for simplicity), the receiving system first parses the received FIC. Then, the receiving system acquires information on an MH ensemble (i.e., ensemble location), which is associated with the virtual channel corresponding to channel θ (hereinafter, the corresponding MH ensemble will be referred to as “MH ensemble θ” for simplicity). By acquiring slots only corresponding to the MH ensemble θ using the time-slicing method, the receiving system configures ensemble θ. The ensemble θ configured as described above, includes an SMT on the associated virtual channels (including channel θ) and IP streams on the corresponding virtual channels. Therefore, the receiving system uses the SMT included in the MH ensemble θ in order to acquire various information on channel θ (e.g., Virtual Channel θ Table Entry) and stream access information on channel θ (e.g., Virtual Channel θ Access Info). The receiving system uses the stream access information on channel θ to receive only the associated IP streams, thereby providing channel θ services to the user.

Fast Information Channel (FIC)

The digital broadcast receiving system according to the present invention adopts the fast information channel (FIC) for a faster access to a service that is currently being broadcasted.

More specifically, the FIC handler 215 of FIG. 1 parses the FIC body, which corresponds to an FIC transmission structure, and outputs the parsed result to the physical adaptation control signal handler 216.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary FIC body format according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the FIC format consists of an FIC body header and an FIC body payload.

Meanwhile, according to the embodiment of the present invention, data are transmitted through the FIC body header and the FIC body payload in FIC segment units. Each FIC segment has the size of 37 bytes, and each FIC segment consists of a 2-byte FIC segment header and a 35-byte FIC segment payload. More specifically, an FIC body configured of an FIC body header and an FIC body payload, is segmented in units of 35 data bytes, which are then carried in at least one FIC segment within the FIC segment payload, so as to be transmitted.

In the description of the present invention, an example of inserting one FIC segment in one data group, which is then transmitted, will be given. In this case, the receiving system receives a slot corresponding to each data group by using a time-slicing method.

The signaling decoder 190 included in the receiving system shown in FIG. 1 collects each FIC segment inserted in each data group. Then, the signaling decoder 190 uses the collected FIC segments to created a single FIC body. Thereafter, the signaling decoder 190 performs a decoding process on the FIC body payload of the created FIC body, so that the decoded FIC body payload corresponds to an encoded result of a signaling encoder (not shown) included in the transmitting system. Subsequently, the decoded FIC body payload is outputted to the FIC handler 215. The FIC handler 215 parses the FIC data included in the FIC body payload, and then outputs the parsed FIC data to the physical adaptation control signal handler 216. The physical adaptation control signal handler 216 uses the inputted FIC data to perform processes associated with MH ensembles, virtual channels, SMTs, and so on.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when an FIC body is segmented, and when the size of the last segmented portion is smaller than 35 data bytes, it is assumed that the lacking number of data bytes in the FIC segment payload is completed with by adding the same number of stuffing bytes therein, so that the size of the last FIC segment can be equal to 35 data bytes.

However, it is apparent that the above-described data byte values (i.e., 37 bytes for the FIC segment, 2 bytes for the FIC segment header, and 35 bytes for the FIC segment payload) are merely exemplary, and will, therefore, not limit the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure with respect to an FIC segment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Herein, the FIC segment signifies a unit used for transmitting the FIC data. The FIC segment consists of an FIC segment header and an FIC segment payload. Referring to FIG. 15, the FIC segment payload corresponds to the portion starting from the ‘for’ loop statement. Meanwhile, the FIC segment header may include a FIC_type field, an error_indicator field, an FIC_seg_number field, and an FIC_last_seg_number field. A detailed description of each field will now be given.

The FIC_type field is a 2-bit field indicating the type of the corresponding FIC.

The error_indicator field is a 1-bit field, which indicates whether or not an error has occurred within the FIC segment during data transmission. If an error has occurred, the value of the error_indicator field is set to ‘1’. More specifically, when an error that has failed to be recovered still remains during the configuration process of the FIC segment, the error_indicator field value is set to ‘1’. The error_indicator field enables the receiving system to recognize the presence of an error within the FIC data.

The FIC_seg_number field is a 4-bit field. Herein, when a single FIC body is divided into a plurality of FIC segments and transmitted, the FIC_seg_number field indicates the number of the corresponding FIC segment.

Finally, the FIC_last_seg_number field is also a 4-bit field. The FIC_last_seg_number field indicates the number of the last FIC segment within the corresponding FIC body.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure with respect to a payload of an FIC segment according to the present invention, when an FIC type field value is equal to ‘0’.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the payload of the FIC segment is divided into 3 different regions.

A first region of the FIC segment payload exists only when the FIC_seg_number field value is equal to ‘0’. Herein, the first region may include a current_next_indicator field, an ESG_version field, and a transport_stream_id field. However, depending upon the embodiment of the present invention, it may be assumed that each of the 3 fields exists regardless of the FIC_seg_number field.

The current_next_indicator field is a 1-bit field. The current_next_indicator field acts as an indicator identifying whether the corresponding FIC data carry MH ensemble configuration information of an MH frame including the current FIC segment, or whether the corresponding FIC data carry MH ensemble configuration information of a next MH frame.

The ESG_version field is a 5-bit field indicating ESG version information. Herein, by providing version information on the service guide providing channel of the corresponding ESG, the ESG_version field enables the receiving system to notify whether or not the corresponding ESG has been updated.

Finally, the transport_stream_id field is a 16-bit field acting as a unique identifier of a broadcast stream through which the corresponding FIC segment is being transmitted.

A second region of the FIC segment payload corresponds to an ensemble loop region, which includes an ensemble_id field, an SI_version field, and a num_channel field.

More specifically, the ensemble_id field is an 8-bit field indicating identifiers of an MH ensemble through which MH services are transmitted. The MH services will be described in more detail in a later process. Herein, the ensemble_id field binds the MH services and the MH ensemble.

The SI_version field is a 4-bit field indicating version information of SI data included in the corresponding ensemble, which is being transmitted within the RS frame.

Finally, the num_channel field is an 8-bit field indicating the number of virtual channel being transmitted via the corresponding ensemble.

A third region of the FIC segment payload a channel loop region, which includes a channel_type field, a channel_activity field, a CA indicator field, a stand_alone_service_indicator field, a major_channel_num field, and a minor_channel_num field.

The channel_type field is a 5-bit field indicating a service type of the corresponding virtual channel. For example, the channel_type field may indicates an audio/video channel, an audio/video and data channel, an audio-only channel, a data-only channel, a file download channel, an ESG delivery channel, a notification channel, and so on.

The channel_activity field is a 2-bit field indicating activity information of the corresponding virtual channel. More specifically, the channel_activity field may indicate whether the current virtual channel is providing the current service.

The CA_indicator field is a 1-bit field indicating whether or not a conditional access (CA) is applied to the current virtual channel.

The stand_alone_service_indicator field is also a 1-bit field, which indicates whether the service of the corresponding virtual channel corresponds to a stand alone service.

The major_channel_num field is an 8-bit field indicating a major channel number of the corresponding virtual channel.

Finally, the minor_channel_num field is also an 8-bit field indicating a minor channel number of the corresponding virtual channel.

Service Table Map

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of a service map table (hereinafter referred to as “SMT”) according to the present invention.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the SMT is configured in an MPEG-2 private section format. However, this will not limit the scope and spirit of the present invention. The SMT according to the embodiment of the present invention includes description information for each virtual channel within a single MH ensemble. And, additional information may further be included in each descriptor area.

Herein, the SMT according to the embodiment of the present invention includes at least one field and is transmitted from the transmitting system to the receiving system.

As described in FIG. 3, the SMT section may be transmitted by being included in the MH TP within the RS frame. In this case, each of the RS frame decoders 170 and 180, shown in FIG. 1, decodes the inputted RS frame, respectively. Then, each of the decoded RS frames is outputted to the respective RS frame handler 211 and 212. Thereafter, each RS frame handler 211 and 212 identifies the inputted RS frame by row units, so as to create an MH TP, thereby outputting the created MH TP to the MH TP handler 213.

When it is determined that the corresponding MH TP includes an SMT section based upon the header in each of the inputted MH TP, the MH TP handler 213 parses the corresponding SMT section, so as to output the SI data within the parsed SMT section to the physical adaptation control signal handler 216. However, this is limited to when the SMT is not encapsulated to IP datagrams.

Meanwhile, when the SMT is encapsulated to IP datagrams, and when it is determined that the corresponding MH TP includes an SMT section based upon the header in each of the inputted MH TP, the MH TP handler 213 outputs the SMT section to the IP network stack 220. Accordingly, the IP network stack 220 performs IP and UDP processes on the inputted SMT section and, then, outputs the processed SMT section to the SI handler 240. The SI handler 240 parses the inputted SMT section and controls the system so that the parsed SI data can be stored in the storage unit 290.

The following corresponds to example of the fields that may be transmitted through the SMT.

A table_id field corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer number, which indicates the type of table section. The table_id field allows the corresponding table to be defined as the service map table (SMT).

A section_syntax_indicator field is a 1-bit field corresponding to an indicator defining the section format of the SLT. For example, the section format may correspond to MPEG long-form syntax.

A private_indicator field is a 1-bit field indicating whether or not the SMT follows (or is in accordance with) a private section.

A section_length field is a 12-bit field indicating the section length of the corresponding SMT.

A transport_stream_id field is a 16-bit field indicating a transport_stream identifier of a physical channel transmitting (or delivering) the corresponding SMT.

A version_number field is a 5-bit field indicating the version number of the corresponding SMT.

A current_next_indicator field is a 1-bit field indicating whether the data included in subsequent SMT sections are currently applicable.

A section_number field is an 8-bit field indicating the section number of the corresponding SMT.

A last_section_number field is also an 8-bit field indicating the last section number of the corresponding SMT.

An SMT_protocol_version field is an 8-bit field indicating the protocol version of the corresponding SMT section.

An ensemble_id field is an 8-bit unsigned integer field, which corresponds to an ID value associated to the corresponding MH ensemble. Herein, the ensemble_id field may be assigned with a value ranging from range ‘0x00’ to ‘0x3F’. It is preferable that the value of the ensemble_id field is derived from the parade_id of the TPC data, which is carried from the baseband processor of MH physical layer subsystem. When the corresponding MH ensemble is transmitted through (or carried over) the primary RS frame, a value of ‘0’ may be used for the most significant bit (MSB), and the remaining 7 bits are used as the parade_id value of the associated MH parade (i.e., for the least significant 7 bits). Alternatively, when the corresponding MH ensemble is transmitted through (or carried over) the secondary RS frame, a value of ‘1’ may be used for the most significant bit (MSB).

A num_channels field is an 8-bit field, which specifies the number of virtual channels in the corresponding SMT section.

Meanwhile, the SMT according to the embodiment of the present invention provides information on a plurality of virtual channels using the ‘for’ loop statement.

A major_channel_num field corresponds to an 8-bit field, which represents the major channel number associated with the corresponding virtual channel. Herein, the major_channel_num field may be assigned with a value ranging from ‘0x00’ to ‘0xFF’.

A minor_channel_num field corresponds to an 8-bit field, which represents the minor channel number associated with the corresponding virtual channel. Herein, the minor_channel_num field may be assigned with a value ranging from ‘0x00’ to ‘0xFF’.

A short_channel_name field indicates the short name of the virtual channel. The service_id field is a 16-bit unsigned integer number (or value), which identifies the virtual channel service.

A service_type field is a 6-bit enumerated type field, which designates the type of service carried in the corresponding virtual channel as defined in Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 0x00 [Reserved] 0x01 MH_digital_television field: the virtual channel carries television programming (audio, video and optional associated data) conforming to ATSC standards. 0x02 MH_audio field: the virtual channel carries audio programming (audio service and optional associated data) conforming to ATSC standards. 0x03 MH_data_only_service field: the virtual channel carries a data service conforming to ATSC standards, but no video or audio component. 0x04 to [Reserved for future ATSC usage] 0xFF

A virtual_channel_activity field is a 2-bit enumerated field identifying the activity status of the corresponding virtual channel. When the most significant bit (MSB) of the virtual_channel_activity field is ‘1’, the virtual channel is active, and when the most significant bit (MSB) of the virtual_channel_activity field is ‘0’, the virtual channel is inactive. Also, when the least significant bit (LSB) of the virtual_channel_activity field is ‘1’, the virtual channel is hidden (when set to 1), and when the least significant bit (LSB) of the virtual_channel_activity field is ‘0’, the virtual channel is not hidden.

A num_components field is a 5-bit field, which specifies the number of IP stream components in the corresponding virtual channel.

An IP_version_flag field corresponds to a 1-bit indicator. More specifically, when the value of the IP_version_flag field is set to ‘1’, this indicates that a source_IP_address field, a virtual_channel_target_IP_address field, and a component_target_IP_address field are IPv6 addresses. Alternatively, when the value of the IP_version_flag field is set to ‘0’, this indicates that the source_IP_address field, the virtual_channel_target_IP_address field, and the component_target_IP_address field are IPv4.

A source_IP_address_flag field is a 1-bit Boolean flag, which indicates, when set, that a source IP address of the corresponding virtual channel exist for a specific multicast source.

A virtual_channel_target_IP_address_flag field is a 1-bit Boolean flag, which indicates, when set, that the corresponding IP stream component is delivered through IP datagrams with target IP addresses different from the virtual_channel_target_IP_address. Therefore, when the flag is set, the receiving system (or receiver) uses the component_target_IP_address as the target_IP_address in order to access the corresponding IP stream component. Accordingly, the receiving system (or receiver) may ignore the virtual_channel_target_IP_address field included in the num_channels loop.

The source_IP_address field corresponds to a 32-bit or 128-bit field. Herein, the source_IP_address field will be significant (or present), when the value of the source_IP_address_flag field is set to ‘1’. However, when the value of the source_IP_address_flag field is set to ‘0’, the source_IP_address field will become insignificant (or absent). More specifically, when the source_IP_address_flag field value is set to ‘1’, and when the IP_version_flag field value is set to ‘0’, the source_IP_address field indicates a 32-bit IPv4 address, which shows the source of the corresponding virtual channel. Alternatively, when the IP_version_flag field value is set to ‘1’, the source_IP_address field indicates a 128-bit IPv6 address, which shows the source of the corresponding virtual channel.

The virtual_channel_target_IP_address field also corresponds to a 32-bit or 128-bit field. Herein, the virtual_channel_target_IP_address field will be significant (or present), when the value of the virtual_channel_target_IP_address_flag field is set to ‘1’. However, when the value of the virtual_channel_target_IP_address_flag field is set to ‘0’, the virtual_channel_target_IP_address field will become insignificant (or absent). More specifically, when the virtual_channel_target_IP_address_flag field value is set to ‘1’, and when the IP_version_flag field value is set to ‘0’, the virtual_channel_target_IP_address field indicates a 32-bit target IPv4 address associated to the corresponding virtual channel. Alternatively, when the virtual_channel_target_IP_address_flag field value is set to ‘1’, and when the IP_version_flag field value is set to ‘1’, the virtual_channel_target_IP_address field indicates a 64-bit target IPv6 address associated to the corresponding virtual channel. If the virtual_channel_target_IP_address field is insignificant (or absent), the component_target_IP_address field within the num_channels loop should become significant (or present). And, in order to enable the receiving system to access the IP stream component, the component_target_IP_address field should be used.

The EMT_activity_flag field indicates whether program table information including additional information associated with the corresponding ensemble exists. The program table information may describe information on an additional service that is not described in a service of the corresponding ensemble in the SMT. Herein, the program table information will be referred to as an extended service map table (EMT). And, the EMT will now be described in more detail. The receiving system (or receiver) uses the EMT_activity_flag field to determine whether an extended service map table (EMT), which describes additional service information associated with the corresponding SMT, is additionally transmitted in the broadcast signal. For example, when the EMT_activity_flag field value is equal to ‘1’, the EMT is transmitted to the corresponding ensemble. On the other hand, when the EMT_activity_flag field value is equal to ‘0’, the EMT is not transmitted to the corresponding ensemble.

Meanwhile, the SMT according to the embodiment of the present invention uses a ‘for’ loop statement in order to provide information on a plurality of components.

Herein, an RTP_payload_type field, which is assigned with 7 bits, identifies the encoding format of the component based upon Table 3 shown below. When the IP stream component is not encapsulated to RTP, the RTP_payload_type field shall be ignored (or deprecated).

Table 3 below shows an example of the RTP_payload_type.

TABLE 3 RTP_payload_type Meaning 35 AVC video 36 MH audio 37 to 72 [Reserved for future ATSC use]

A component_target_IP_address_flag field is a 1-bit Boolean flag, which indicates, when set, that the corresponding IP stream component is delivered through IP datagrams with target IP addresses different from the virtual_channel_target_IP_address. Furthermore, when the component_target_IP_address_flag is set, the receiving system (or receiver) uses the component_target_IP_address field as the target IP address for accessing the corresponding IP stream component. Accordingly, the receiving system (or receiver) will ignore the virtual_channel_target_IP_address field included in the num_channels loop.

The component_target_IP_address field corresponds to a 32-bit or 128-bit field. Herein, when the value of the IP_version_flag field is set to ‘0’, the component_target_IP_address field indicates a 32-bit target IPv4 address associated to the corresponding IP stream component. And, when the value of the IP_version_flag field is set to ‘1’, the component_target_IP_address field indicates a 128-bit target IPv6 address associated to the corresponding IP stream component.

A port_num_count field is a 6-bit field, which indicates the number of UDP ports associated with the corresponding IP stream component. A target UDP port number value starts from the target_UDP_port_num field value and increases (or is incremented) by 1. For the RTP stream, the target UDP port number should start from the target_UDP_port_num field value and shall increase (or be incremented) by 2. This is to incorporate RTCP streams associated with the RTP streams.

A target_UDP_port_num field is a 16-bit unsigned integer field, which represents the target UDP port number for the corresponding IP stream component. When used for RTP streams, the value of the target_UDP_port_num field shall correspond to an even number. And, the next higher value shall represent the target UDP port number of the associated RTCP stream.

A component_level_descriptor( ) represents zero or more descriptors providing additional information on the corresponding IP stream component.

A virtual_channel_level_descriptor( ) represents zero or more descriptors providing additional information for the corresponding virtual channel.

An ensemble_level_descriptor( ) represents zero or more descriptors providing additional information for the MH ensemble, which is described by the corresponding SMT.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MH audio descriptor according to the present invention.

When at least one audio service is present as a component of the current event, the MH_audio_descriptor( ) shall be used as a component_level_descriptor of the SMT. The MH_audio_descriptor( ) may be capable of informing the system of the audio language type and stereo mode status. If there is no audio service associated with the current event, then it is preferable that the MH_audio_descriptor( ) is considered to be insignificant (or absent) for the current event.

Each field shown in the bit stream syntax of FIG. 18 will now be described in detail.

A descriptor_tag field is an 8-bit unsigned integer having a TBD value, which indicates that the corresponding descriptor is the MH_audio_descriptor( ).

A descriptor_length field is also an 8-bit unsigned integer, which indicates the length (in bytes) of the portion immediately following the descriptor_length field up to the end of the MH_audio_descriptor( ).

A channel_configuration field corresponds to an 8-bit field indicating the number and configuration of audio channels. The values ranging from ‘1’ to ‘6’ respectively indicate the number and configuration of audio channels as given for “Default bit stream index number” in Table 42 of ISO/IEC 13818-7:2006. All other values indicate that the number and configuration of audio channels are undefined.

A sample_rate_code field is a 3-bit field, which indicates the sample rate of the encoded audio data. Herein, the indication may correspond to one specific sample rate, or may correspond to a set of values that include the sample rate of the encoded audio data as defined in Table A3.3 of ATSC A/52B.

A bit_rate_code field corresponds to a 6-bit field. Herein, among the 6 bits, the lower 5 bits indicate a nominal bit rate. More specifically, when the most significant bit (MSB) is ‘0’, the corresponding bit rate is exact. On the other hand, when the most significant bit (MSB) is ‘0’, the bit rate corresponds to an upper limit as defined in Table A3.4 of ATSC A/53B.

An ISO_(—)639_language_code field is a 24-bit (i.e., 3-byte) field indicating the language used for the audio stream component, in conformance with ISO 639.2/B [x]. When a specific language is not present in the corresponding audio stream component, the value of each byte will be set to ‘0x00’.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MH RTP payload type descriptor according to the present invention.

The MH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor( ) specifies the RTP payload type. Yet, the MH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor( ) exists only when the dynamic value of the RTP_payload_type field within the num_components loop of the SMT is in the range of ‘96’ to ‘127’. The MH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor( ) is used as a component_level_descriptor of the SMT.

The MH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor translates (or matches) a dynamic RTP_payload_type field value into (or with) a MIME type. Accordingly, the receiving system (or receiver) may collect (or gather) the encoding format of the IP stream component, which is encapsulated in RTP.

The fields included in the MH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor( ) will now be described in detail.

A descriptor_tag field corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer having the value TBD, which identifies the current descriptor as the MH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor( ).

A descriptor_length field also corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer, which indicates the length (in bytes) of the portion immediately following the descriptor_length field up to the end of the MH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor( ).

An RTP_payload_type field corresponds to a 7-bit field, which identifies the encoding format of the IP stream component. Herein, the dynamic value of the RTP_payload_type field is in the range of ‘96’ to ‘127’.

A MIME_type_length field specifies the length (in bytes) of a MIME_type field.

The MIME_type field indicates the MIME type corresponding to the encoding format of the IP stream component, which is described by the MH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor( ).

FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MH current event descriptor according to the present invention.

The MH_current_event_descriptor( ) shall be used as the virtual_channel_level_descriptor( ) within the SMT. Herein, the MH_current_event_descriptor( ) provides basic information on the current event (e.g., the start time, duration, and title of the current event, etc.), which is transmitted via the respective virtual channel.

The fields included in the MH_current_event_descriptor( ) will now be described in detail.

A descriptor_tag field corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer having the value TBD, which identifies the current descriptor as the MH_current_event_descriptor( ).

A descriptor_length field also corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer, which indicates the length (in bytes) of the portion immediately following the descriptor_length field up to the end of the MH_current_event_descriptor( ).

An event_id field corresponds to a 16-bit field representing an identifier for identifying the corresponding event.

A current_event_start_time field corresponds to a 32-bit unsigned integer quantity. The current_event_start_time field represents the start time of the current event and, more specifically, as the number of GPS seconds since 00:00:00 UTC, Jan. 6, 1980.

A current_event_duration field corresponds to a 24-bit field. Herein, the current_event_duration field indicates the duration of the current event in hours, minutes, and seconds (wherein the format is in 6 digits, 4-bit BCD=24 bits).

A title_length field specifies the length (in bytes) of a title_text field. Herein, the value ‘0’ indicates that there are no titles existing for the corresponding event.

The title_text field indicates the title of the corresponding event in event title in the format of a multiple string structure as defined in ATSC A/65C [x].

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MH next event descriptor according to the present invention.

The optional MH_next_event_descriptor( ) shall be used as the virtual_channel_level_descriptor( ) within the SMT. Herein, the MH_next_event_descriptor( ) provides basic information on the next event (e.g., the start time, duration, and title of the next event, etc.), which is transmitted via the respective virtual channel.

The fields included in the MH_next_event_descriptor( ) will now be described in detail.

A descriptor_tag field corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer having the value TBD, which identifies the current descriptor as the MH_next_event_descriptor( ).

A descriptor_length field also corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer, which indicates the length (in bytes) of the portion immediately following the descriptor_length field up to the end of the MH_next_event_descriptor( ).

An event_id field corresponds to a 16-bit field representing an identifier for identifying the corresponding event.

A next_event_start_time field corresponds to a 32-bit unsigned integer quantity. The next_event_start_time field represents the start time of the next event and, more specifically, as the number of GPS seconds since 00:00:00 UTC, Jan. 6, 1980.

A next_event_duration field corresponds to a 24-bit field. Herein, the next_event_duration field indicates the duration of the next event in hours, minutes, and seconds (wherein the format is in 6 digits, 4-bit BCD=24 bits).

A title_length field specifies the length (in bytes) of a title_text field. Herein, the value ‘0’ indicates that there are no titles existing for the corresponding event.

The title_text field indicates the title of the corresponding event in event title in the format of a multiple string structure as defined in ATSC A/65C [x].

FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MH system time descriptor according to the present invention.

The MH_system_time_descriptor( ) shall be used as the ensemble_level_descriptor( ) within the SMT. Herein, the MH_system_time_descriptor( ) provides information on current time and date. The MH_system_time_descriptor( ) also provides information on the time zone in which the transmitting system (or transmitter) transmitting the corresponding broadcast stream is located, while taking into consideration the mobile/portable characteristics of the MH service data.

The fields included in the MH_system_time_descriptor( ) will now be described in detail.

A descriptor_tag field corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer having the value TBD, which identifies the current descriptor as the MH_system_time_descriptor( ).

A descriptor_length field also corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer, which indicates the length (in bytes) of the portion immediately following the descriptor_length field up to the end of the MH_system_time_descriptor( ).

A system_time field corresponds to a 32-bit unsigned integer quantity. The system_time field represents the current system time and, more specifically, as the number of GPS seconds since 00:00:00 UTC, Jan. 6, 1980.

A GPS_UTC_offset field corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer, which defines the current offset in whole seconds between GPS and UTC time standards. In order to convert GPS time to UTC time, the GPS_UTC_offset is subtracted from GPS time. Whenever the International Bureau of Weights and Measures decides that the current offset is too far in error, an additional leap second may be added (or subtracted). Accordingly, the GPS_UTC_offset field value will reflect the change.

A time_zone_offset_polarity field is a 1-bit field, which indicates whether the time of the time zone, in which the broadcast station is located, exceeds (or leads or is faster) or falls behind (or lags or is slower) than the UTC time. When the value of the time_zone_offset_polarity field is equal to ‘0’, this indicates that the time on the current time zone exceeds the UTC time. Therefore, a time_zone_offset field value is added to the UTC time value. Conversely, when the value of the time_zone_offset_polarity field is equal to ‘1’, this indicates that the time on the current time zone falls behind the UTC time. Therefore, the time_zone_offset field value is subtracted from the UTC time value.

The time_zone_offset field is a 31-bit unsigned integer quantity. More specifically, the time_zone_offset field represents, in GPS seconds, the time offset of the time zone in which the broadcast station is located, when compared to the UTC time.

A daylight_savings field corresponds to a 16-bit field providing information on the Summer Time (i.e., the Daylight Savings Time).

A time_zone field corresponds to a (5×8)-bit field indicating the time zone, in which the transmitting system (or transmitter) transmitting the corresponding broadcast stream is located.

FIG. 23 illustrates segmentation and encapsulation processes of a service map table (SMT) according to the present invention.

According to the present invention, the SMT is encapsulated to UDP, while including a target IP address and a target UDP port number within the IP datagram. More specifically, the SMT is first segmented into a predetermined number of sections, then encapsulated to a UDP header, and finally encapsulated to an IP header.

In addition, the SMT section provides signaling information on all virtual channel included in the MH ensemble including the corresponding SMT section. At least one SMT section describing the MH ensemble is included in each RS frame included in the corresponding MH ensemble. Finally, each SMT section is identified by an ensemble_id included in each section.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, by informing the receiving system of the target IP address and target UDP port number, the corresponding data (i.e., target IP address and target UDP port number) may be parsed without having the receiving system to request for other additional information.

For example, when the EMT_activity_flag field value in the SMT is equal to ‘1’ (i.e., when information that EMT is to be transmitted is set up), the EMT linked to the SMT may be transmitted to the ensemble, in which the SMT is transmitted. Just as the SMT, the EMT may be transmitted to each ensemble by sections, which is the transmission unit of the EMT. Herein, the EMT may include a descriptor that describes the additional services transmitted by each ensemble. In the example shown in FIG. 24, information are set to indicate that the EMT is being transmitted to the SMT of both Ensemble 1 and Ensemble K. Furthermore, it is also indicated that EMT section 1, which is linked to SMT Section 1, and EMT section M, which is linked to SMT Section K, are also transmitted to Ensemble 1 and Ensemble K, respectively. Contents of the EMT will hereinafter be described in detail.

FIG. 24 illustrates a flow chart for accessing a virtual channel using FIC and SMT according to the present invention.

More specifically, a physical channel is tuned (S501). And, when it is determined that an MH signal exists in the tuned physical channel (S502), the corresponding MH signal is demodulated (S503). Additionally, FIC segments are grouped from the demodulated MH signal in sub-frame units (S504 and S505).

According to the embodiment of the present invention, an FIC segment is inserted in a data group, so as to be transmitted. More specifically, the FIC segment corresponding to each data group described service information on the MH ensemble to which the corresponding data group belongs. When the FIC segments are grouped in sub-frame units and, then, deinterleaved, all service information on the physical channel through which the corresponding FIC segment is transmitted may be acquired. Therefore, after the tuning process, the receiving system may acquire channel information on the corresponding physical channel during a sub-frame period. Once the FIC segments are grouped, in S504 and S505, a broadcast stream through which the corresponding FIC segment is being transmitted is identified (S506). For example, the broadcast stream may be identified by parsing the transport_stream_id field of the FIC body, which is configured by grouping the FIC segments.

Furthermore, an ensemble identifier, a major channel number, a minor channel number, channel type information, and so on, are extracted from the FIC body (S507). And, by using the extracted ensemble information, only the slots corresponding to the designated ensemble are acquired by using the time-slicing method, so as to configure an ensemble (S508).

Subsequently, the RS frame corresponding to the designated ensemble is decoded (S509), and an IP socket is opened for SMT reception (S510).

According to the example given in the embodiment of the present invention, the SMT is encapsulated to UDP, while including a target IP address and a target UDP port number within the IP datagram. More specifically, the SMT is first segmented into a predetermined number of sections, then encapsulated to a UDP header, and finally encapsulated to an IP header. According to the embodiment of the present invention, by informing the receiving system of the target IP address and target UDP port number, the receiving system parses the SMT sections and the descriptors of each SMT section without requesting for other additional information (S511).

The SMT section provides signaling information on all virtual channel included in the MH ensemble including the corresponding SMT section. At least one SMT section describing the MH ensemble is included in each RS frame included in the corresponding MH ensemble. Also, each SMT section is identified by an ensemble_id included in each section. The SMT may include information indicating whether or not EMT, which transmits information on additional services, is transmitted to the corresponding ensemble.

Furthermore each SMT provides IP access information on each virtual channel subordinate to the corresponding MH ensemble including each SMT. Finally, the SMT provides IP stream component level information required for the servicing of the corresponding virtual channel.

Therefore, by using the information parsed from the SMT, the IP stream component belonging to the virtual channel requested for reception may be accessed (S513). Accordingly, the service associated with the corresponding virtual channel is provided to the user (S514).

If it is determined in Step 512 that the SMT includes information indicating that an EMT exists in the corresponding ensemble (S515: ‘YES’), the EMT may be parsed in the corresponding ensemble so as to acquire the additional information (S516). Thereafter, by using the information acquired in Step 516, the additional services, which cannot be described by the SMT, may be described, and the corresponding additional services may then be provided.

FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an EMT according to another embodiment of the present invention. The above-described SMT may describe a stream included in the service-providing virtual channel and channel information on the corresponding virtual channel. And, when the EMT_activity_flag field of the SMT is set up, an EMT, which is added to the SMT so as to describe the services that are to be provided, is transmitted.

Accordingly, the SMT may enable audio/video/data streams of the broadcast signal to be swiftly or quickly outputted from the digital broadcast receiving system. And, the EMT may either provide more detailed information on each virtual channel or describe the additional services.

Contents of the EMT will now be described in detail.

A table_id field is an 8-bit table identifier, which may be set up as an identifier for identifying the EMT. A section_syntax_indicator field corresponds to an indicator defining the section format of the EMT. For example, the section format may correspond to MPEG long-form syntax.

A Private_indicator field indicates whether or not the EMT follows (or is in accordance with) a private section. A reserved field corresponds to a non-designated field, and the value of the reserved field may, for example, be set to ‘1’.

A section_length field indicates the section length of the corresponding EMT. A transport_stream_id field represents a transport_stream indicator of a physical channel through which the corresponding EMT is being transmitted. Herein, also, a reserved field corresponds to a non-designated field, and the value of the reserved field may, for example, be set to ‘1’.

A version_number field indicates the version number of the corresponding EMT. A current_next_indicator field indicates whether the data included in subsequent EMT sections are currently applicable. A section_number field indicates the section number of the corresponding EMT.

A last_section_number field indicates the last section number of the corresponding EMT. An EMT_protocol_version field indicates the protocol version of the corresponding EMT section.

An ensemble_id field indicates an identification number of the ensemble which the EMT describes. A num_channels field indicates the number of channels included in the corresponding ensemble.

A major_channel_number field indicates the major channel number of the corresponding virtual channel, and a minor_channel_number field indicates the minor channel number of the corresponding virtual channel.

A num_components field indicates the number of components included in the corresponding virtual channel.

The EMT may include a descriptor with respect to each level. For example, the EMT may include a descriptor for a component level (i.e., component_level_descriptor), a descriptor for an event level (i.e., event_level_descriptor), a descriptor for a virtual channel level (i.e., virtual_channel_level_descriptor), and a descriptor for an ensemble level (i.e., ensemble_level_descriptor).

More specifically, the component_level_descriptor may include information on the corresponding component.

A num_events field indicates a number of events included in an event.

And, the event_level_descriptor may include information on the corresponding event. Furthermore, the virtual_channel_level_descriptor and ensemble descriptor for each virtual channel may respectively include information on the corresponding virtual channel and the corresponding ensemble (i.e., ensemble_level_descriptor).

For example, the SMT describes basic information on a virtual channel of an ensemble, whereas the EMT may deliver (or transmit) additional service information or detailed information on additional service with respect to the virtual channel included in the corresponding ensemble via descriptors for each level. The descriptor for the EMT may include program guide information for the virtual channel, information associated with data broadcasting, information associated with interactive services, permission information associated with whether or not access to each virtual channel has been permitted, and so on.

Furthermore, a descriptor for an audio component among the virtual channel components shown in FIG. 18, a descriptor for which the virtual channel describes a current/next event, as shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, and a descriptor describing a system time, as shown in FIG. 22, may be included in the EMT so as to be transmitted and received.

Also, the above-described EMT (or SMT according to the second embodiment of the present invention) may be divided into constant units, such as section units. Herein, each of the section units may describe an ensemble.

When an SMT is received, the SI handler 240 of the receiving system shown in FIG. 1 may parse the SMT. Herein, when the SI handler 240 acquires information indicating that an EMT included in the SMT is being received, the SI handler 240 may receive the EMT from the IP network stack 220. The SI handler 240 may include an EMT parser, which parses detailed information on the virtual channel included in the EMT and, then, stores the parsed information in the storage unit 290. The MH management processor 200 reads the information parsed from the EMT from the storage unit 290. Then, the MH management processor 200 delivers (or sends) the read information to the MH baseband processor 100 or the MH presentation processor 300.

For example, when the information parsed from the EMT corresponds to information associated with a current or next event, or when the information parsed from the EMT corresponds to information associated with data broadcasting, the MH presentation processor 300 may control the system so that the information associated with an event or information associated with data broadcasting, which is delivered to the EMT, can be displayed to the user.

Furthermore, when the additional information parsed from the EMT corresponds to permission information on the storage or copying of specific broadcast data content, the MH management processor 200 may store or copy the broadcast data content received from a broadcast signal based upon the corresponding permission information.

For example, when the application manager activates an application for additional service, such as data broadcasting, and when the additional service information transmitted to the EMT is read from the storage unit 290, the corresponding additional service information may be used to provide the additional service to the user.

Therefore, by using the information delivered to the above-described EMT (or SMT according to the second embodiment of the present invention), the receiving system (or receiver) may provide additional service information, which is associated with the corresponding ensemble, virtual channel, and component of the virtual channel, to the user along with the broadcast signal.

As described above, the present invention may provide a service transmitted through a virtual channel by using the SMT. The present invention may also identify that the EMT is being transmitted from the SMT. Furthermore, the present invention may acquire detailed additional information associated with the component included in the virtual channel, the event, the virtual channel, and the ensemble from the EMT.

Thereafter, the present invention may provide the detailed additional information acquired from the EMT as an additional service.

Therefore, the receiving system can provide additional service information associated with ensemble, virtual channel, and component of the virtual channel to the user together with the broadcasting signal by using the information transferred as SMT or EMT.

As described above, according to the present invention, the receiving system can provide the service transmitted to the virtual channel by using the SMT, and can identify that the EMT is transmitted from the SMT. Also, the receiving system can obtain detailed additional information of the component included in the virtual channel, the event, the virtual channel, and the ensemble, from the SMT or the EMT. Then, the receiving system can provide the detailed additional information as additional service or can control the received broadcasting contents by using permission information. A detailed example of transferring the permission information will be described below.

Meanwhile, a download content for a data broadcast service can be transmitted via DSM-CC protocol. In the following description of the present invention, for clarity and convenience of explanation, a download content transmitted/received via the DSM-CC protocol shall be called a DSM-CC download content.

The DSM-CC download content can be transmitted on the MPEG-2 base or the IP base.

The DSM-CC download content can be transmitted by a data/object carousel scheme. This data/object carousel scheme means that the same data is transmitted repeatedly and periodically.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of an encoding process for data/object carousel transmission according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, a service gateway (Service Gateway) is a root directory, DIR indicates a directory, and FILE indicates a file. And, they are DSM-CC objects defined by DSM-CC.

The DSM-CC objects include a stream (STR), a stream event (STE) and the like as well as the service gateway (Service Gateway), the DIR and the FILE. Each of the Service Gateway and the DIR has information on a sub-list and the FILE is the object that actually has data bytes. Each of the stream and the stream event plays a role in connecting A/V data according to a request/situation.

In the most upper part of FIG. 26, an example for configuration of the Service Gateway, the DIR and the FILE is represented. They are the DSM-CC objects. Since each Service Gateway/DIR has information on the connection of the lower FILE/DIR object, each of the DSM-CC objects can be identified even if the DSM-CC objects are enumerated. Moreover, it is able to configure a DSM-CC module by gathering several DSM-CC objects appropriately.

The DSM-CC module includes an ID field, a version field and a payload field. A plurality of DSM-CC objects are inserted in the payload field, a unique identifier for identifying a corresponding DSM-CC module is indicated by the ID field, and a version number of a corresponding DSM-CC module is indicated by the version field. Moreover, it is able to configure a single DSM-CC group by gathering a plurality of DSM-CC modules together.

The DSM-CC objects of the payload of each of the DSM-CC modules are discriminated from each other by a unit of DDB (DownloadDataBlock) for transport. When the DDB is transported through a data carousel, a DII (DownloadInfoIndication) message is configured to provide a receiving system with information on each of the DSM-CC modules. And, information on DDBs is included in the DII message.

As the number of the DSM-CC modules is excessively large, if the DSM-CC modules are unable to join a single DSM-CC group or if several DSM-CC groups are needed to provide convenience in management, several DSM-CC groups are provided in a manner that DSM-CC modules are divided to be included in several DII messages.

Moreover, it is able to configure a super group by gathering a plurality of DSM-CC groups together. Besides, in order to inform a receiver of information on each of the DSM-CC groups, a DSI (DownloadServerInitiate) message containing information on DIIs is configured.

In particular, target systems in DSM-CC can be classified into a user system including a client and a server and a network system including a service and resource manager (SRM). The DSM-CC regulates an interface between the above classified systems. An interface between user systems is defined as U-U (user-to-user) interface, while an interface between a user system and a network system is defined as a U-N (user-to-network) interface.

Messages are delivered between the U-U interface and the U-N interface. Each of the messages includes a formalized message header and an actually delivered message. The UN message includes DSI (DownloadServerInitiate) message, DII (DownloadInfoIndication) message, DDB (DownloadDataBlock) message, DownloadCancel message or the like. The DSI message delivers information of DSM-CC groups within a super group and the DII message delivers information on DSM-CC modules within the DSM-CC group. The DDB message delivers a DSM-CC download content that is a data block, i.e., actual data. And, the Download Cancel message is delivered when a download scenario is terminated. In particular, the data carousel is the mechanism for transmitting a DSM-CC module periodically. And, the object carousel is the mechanism for transmitting a DSM-CC U-U file and a hierarchical structure of a directory periodically.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, DSM-CC data including a download content is transmitted based on IP.

FIG. 27 is a diagram of a protocol stack in case of transmitting DSM-CC data based on IP according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 27, DSM-CC data is packetized by an RTP (real time protocol) scheme, an RTP packet is then packetized by a UDP (user datagram protocol) scheme, an RTP/UDP packet is then packetized by an IP scheme to become RTP/UDP/IP packet data. In the present invention, the packetized RTP/UDP/IP packet data shall be called an IP packet. In particular, the IP packet includes an IP header, a UDP header, an RTP header and a payload. DCM-CC download content is carried on the payload of the IP packet. The packetization of the download content according to the RTP scheme is for the synchronization of an A/V service interoperating with the download content using a time stamp of RTP.

The IP packetized DSM-CC data is packetized into MPEG-2 TS (transport stream) in a transport stream layer. The MPE-2 TS packet is modulated in MH physical layer by a predetermined transmission scheme, e.g., VSB transmission scheme or the like and is then transmitted to a receiving system.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the transport stream layer can be omitted. In particular, the IP packet is modulated in the MH physical layer by the predetermined transmission scheme such as the VSB transmission scheme and the like and can be then transmitted to the receiving system.

Thus, if the DSM-CC data is transmitted, the receiving system receives the DSM-CC data and should be able process the DSM-CC download content included in the received DSM-CC data.

For this, according to the present invention, signaling information, by which a fact that the download content is transmitted by the DSM-CC protocol can be recognized, is transmitted.

The signaling information can be transmitted in a descriptor format or a field format.

Moreover, the signaling information can be transmitted by being included in mobile service data or a program table.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the signaling information is transmitted in a descriptor format in a manner of being included in at least one table selected from the group consisting of SMT and EMT. In the following description, a descriptor included in the at least one table selected from the group consisting of the SMT and the EMT shall be named a data broadcast descriptor. The data broadcast descriptor will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 30. The syntax structure of the SMT is shown in FIG. 17, which is described in detail in the foregoing description. The syntax structure of the EMT is shown in FIG. 25, which is described in detail in the foregoing description. In the following description for one embodiment of the present invention, a data broadcast descriptor is transmitted in a manner of being included in the SMT.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, in case that DSM-CC download content is transmitted, the transmission is performed in a manner that a combination service is represented on service_type field of a corresponding SMT. In this case, the combination service means a plurality of services such as ‘A/V service+data service (TV+Data)’, ‘audio service+data service (Audio+Data)’, etc.

FIG. 28 is a diagram of an example for representing ‘combination service’ on service_type field of SMT according to the present invention. In particular, ‘combination service’ is represented using an unused one of the service_type field values shown in Table 2, e.g., 0x04.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, in case that DSM-CC download content is transmitted, the transmission is performed in a manner that DSM-CC data delivery is represented on RTP_payload_type field of a corresponding SMT.

FIG. 29 is a diagram of an example for representing ‘DSM-CC data delivery’ on RTP_payload_type field according to the present invention. In particular, ‘DSM-CC data delivery’ is represented using an unused one of the RTP_payload_type field values shown in Table 3, e.g., 0x38.

FIG. 30 is a diagram of a bitstream syntax structure of a data broadcast descriptor Data_Braodcast_Descriptor( ) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 30, eight bits are allocated to a descriptor_tag field for example. And, the descriptor_tag field indicates that a corresponding descriptor is Data_Broadcast_Descriptor( ).

Eight bits are allocated to a descriptor_length field for example. This field indicates a byte length from this field to an end of this descriptor.

Four bits are allocated to a stream_type field for example. This field indicates a stream type of the DSM-CC. For instance, if a value of the stream_type field is 0xB, it can be recognized that the DSM-CC data is transmitted in DSM-CC U-N (user-to-network) message.

Four bits are allocated to a data_broadcast_id field for example. This field indicates a transport protocol of the DSM-CC data. For instance, if a value of the data_broadcast_id field is 0x01, it can be recognized that the DSM-CC data is transported by a data carousel protocol. In this case, the transport protocol can include data piping, data streaming, multiprotocol encapsulation, data/object carousel or the like.

Two bits are allocated to a carousel_type_id field for example. If a value of the data_broadcast_id field indicates a data carousel, a value for identifying a carousel type is indicated. For instance, if a value of the carousel_type_id field is 01, it means that a carousel type is one layer data carousel. If a value of the carousel_type_id field is 10, it means that a carousel type is two layer data carousel.

Eight bits are allocated to an application_id field for example. This field indicates a data type of a download content included in the DSM-CC data. For instance, if a value of the application_id field is 0x01, it means that a DSM-CC download content is TPEG.

Thirty-two bits are allocated to a transaction_id field for example. This field indicates a unique identifier for identifying a service gateway object. The transaction_id field can be represented as a combination of DSM-CC group ID and a group version number. A value of the transaction_id field has the same value of transaction_id of the DSI or DII message on a most upper level. For instance, if a value of the transaction_id field is 0xFFFFFFFF, it means that all the received messages DSI and DII are valid.

Thirty-two bits are allocated to a time_out_value_DSI field for example. This field indicates a timeout value required for receiving a DSI message. For instance, a unit of the time_out_value_DSI field is ‘ms’. If a value of the time_out_value_DSI field is 0xFFFFFFFF, it means that the time_out_value_DSI field is not used.

Thirty-two bits are allocated to time_out_value_DII field for example. This field indicates a timeout value required for receiving a DII message. For instance, a unit of the time_out_value_DII field is ‘ms’. If a value of the time_out_value_DII field is 0xFFFFFFFF, it means that the time_out_value_DII field is not used.

Twenty-two bits are allocated to a leak_rate field for example. This field indicates a data delivery rate.

The above-explained data broadcast descriptor Data_Broadcast_Descriptor( ) can transmitted as at least one selected from the group consisting of an ensemble level descriptor of SMT, a virtual channel level descriptor of SMT and a component level descriptor of SMT. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the data broadcast descriptor Data_Broadcast_Descriptor( ) is transmitted as the component level descriptor.

In particular, the data carousel can be one layer data carousel type, as shown in FIG. 31, or two layer data carousel type, as shown in FIG. 32.

First of all, the structure of the one layer data carousel structure shown in FIG. 31 is explained. IN particular, data transmitted in the data carousel format includes DSM-CC module 611 that is divided into a plurality of data blocks. The entire data blocks of all DSM-CC modules within the data carousel are equal in size except a last data block. And, the DSM-CC module 611 is a logical discrimination unit for data within the data carousel.

In the two layer data carousel structure shown in FIG. 32, DSM-CC module 621 constructs a cluster and can be included in one DSM-CC group 631. Likewise, the DSM-CC group 631 constructs a cluster and can be then included in one super group 641.

In particular, a data carousel can have 1- or 2-layer control information. A simplest type data carousel is a data carousel having 1-layer control information for describing a single DSM-CC group. In this case, corresponding SMT 600 a or 600 b includes Data_Broadcast_Descriptor( ) as shown in FIG. 30.

In this case, the DII message, which carries information on DSM-CC modules within DSM-CC group, describes DSM-CC modules within a data carousel using ModuleInfoBytes (mi) field. The mi field can include descriptors that can have various kinds of information such as a pointer for DDB message and the like.

If two layer cluster is necessary, an individual DSM-CC group included in the super group 641 is described using DSI message. In this case, the DII message is used in the same manner of the 1-layer data carousel.

The DSI message describes each DSM-CC group within a super group using GroupInfoBytes (gi) field. The gi field can include descriptors that can have various kinds of information.

Meanwhile, a receiving system according to the present invention is able to provide a user with a download estimated time of DSM-CC group or DSM-CC module. For this, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a download estimated time is transmitted in a format of field or descriptor.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a download time descriptor is generated. The download time descriptor is then transmitted in a manner of being included in the DSI or DII message. If the download time descriptor is transmitted by being included in the DSI message, a receiving system is able to provide a user with a service of a download estimated time of DSM-CC group. If the download time descriptor is transmitted by being included in the DII message, a receiving system is able to provide a user with a service of a download estimated time of DSM-CC module.

FIG. 33 is a diagram of a bitstream syntax structure of a download time descriptor est_download_time_Descriptor( ) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 33, eight bits are allocated to a descriptor_tag field for example. And, the descriptor_tag field indicates that a corresponding descriptor is est_download_time_Descriptor( ).

Eight bits are allocated to a descriptor_length field for example. This field indicates a byte length from this field to an end of this descriptor.

Thirty-two bits are allocated to an est_download_time field for example. This field indicates a download estimated time of a corresponding DSM-CC group or module. In particular, the est_download_time field represents an integer value corresponding to an estimated time taken for downloading a DSM-CC group or module.

A receiving system extracts a download estimated time of a corresponding DSM-CC group or DSM-CC module by parsing the est_download_time_Descriptoro from DSI or DII message and is then able to provide a user with a service of the extracted download estimated time in an OSD (on screen display) form.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, for error correction of data carried by DDB, i.e., a DSM-CC download content, it is able to transmit a CRC (cyclic redundancy check) descriptor CRC_(—)32_Descriptoro that is included in a DII message.

FIG. 34 is a diagram of a bitstream syntax structure of a CRC descriptor CRC_(—)32_Descriptoro according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 34, eight bits are allocated to a descriptor_tag field for example. And, the descriptor_tag field indicates that a corresponding descriptor is CRC_(—)32_Descriptor( ).

Eight bits are allocated to a descriptor_length field for example. This field indicates a byte length from this field to an end of this descriptor.

Thirty-two bits are allocated to a CRC32 field for example. This field indicates a value of 32-bit CRC for error correction.

A receiving system checks a presence or non-presence of error of a DSM-CC download content carried by a DSC-CC module in a manner of parsing CRC_(—)32_Descriptor( ) from the DII message. The receiving system then performs error correction on the DSM-CC download content according to a result of the check.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, it is able to transmit compressed information of DSM-CC download content. The compressed information is transmitted in a descriptor format by being included in a DII message for example.

FIG. 35 is a diagram of a bitstream syntax structure of a compressed descriptor Compressed_module_Descriptor( ) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 35, eight bits are allocated to a descriptor_tag field for example. And, the descriptor_tag field indicates that a corresponding descriptor is Compressed_module_Descriptor( ).

Eight bits are allocated to a descriptor_length field for example. This field indicates a byte length from this field to an end of this descriptor.

Eight bits are allocated to a compressed_method field for example. This field indicates a compression scheme of a corresponding DSM-CC module.

Thirty-two bits are allocated to an original size field for example. This field indicates a data size before compression.

If the Compressed_module_Descriptor( ) is parsed from the DII message, a receiving system is able to know a compression scheme and original size of DSM-CC download content.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart for a method of receiving a DSM-CC download content according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 36, if a channel including a specific mobile service to be received is tuned to and modulated (S701), FIC is parsed and stored from each data group of the modulated mobile service data (S702). SMT is parsed from each ensemble and is then stored (S703).

The FIC is transmitted by being allocated to a predetermined part of the data group. In particular, an FIC area allocated to each data group constructs a single FIC segment. Theses FIC segments are de-interleaved per MH subframe to construct a single completed FIC body.

The SMT is transmitted by being included in each ensemble. The structure of the FIC, the method of parsing the FIC, the structure of the SMT and the method of parsing the SMT are explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 24. Hence, their details will be omitted in the following description.

Subsequently, it is checked whether a value of RTP_payload_type field of the SMP parsed in the step S703 indicates a DSM-CC data delivery (S704). If it is checked that the field value indicates the DSM-CC data delivery in the step S704, after attributes of data content have been acquired by parsing a data broadcast descriptor Data_broadcast_descriptor( ) included in the SMT, a DSM-CC download content is extracted from the received DSM-CC data and is then stored (S705).

In this case, it is checked whether est_download_time_descriptor( ) is included in DSI or DII message within the DSM-CC data (S706). The est_download_time_descriptor( ) can be included in at least one of the DSI message and the DII message or may not be included in neither the DSI message or the DII message.

If the est_download_time_descriptor( ) is included in at least one of the DSI message and the DII message in the step S706, an estimated download time of a download content is extracted from the est_download_time_descriptor( ) and is then displayed as OSD on a prescribed portion of a screen shown in FIG. 37 (S707). If the est_download_time_descriptor( ) is included in the DSI message, an estimated download time of DSM-CC download content carried by a corresponding DSM-CC group is displayed. If the est_download_time_descriptor( ) is included in the DII message, an estimated download time of DSM-CC content carried by a corresponding DSM-CC module is displayed.

If the estimated download time of the download content is displayed, a download completion is simultaneously checked [S708]. This is to display the estimated download time of the download content while the download content is received and stored only.

The receiving system shown in FIG. 1 can further include a DSM-CC handler for processing the above-explained DSM-CC download content. If the DSM-CC download content, as shown in FIG. 27, is transmitted based on IP, the DSM-CC handler can be provided between the IP network stack 220 and the storage unit 290. Detailed operations of the DSM-CC handler will be explained later.

FIG. 38 is a block diagram of a receiving system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 38, a receiving system according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a host 800, a baseband processor 801, an RS frame handler 802, an A/V decoder 803, a display module 804, an FIC handler 806, an SMT handler 807, a channel/service map database (DB) 808, a DSM-CC handler 809, a contents storage unit 810 and a contents processor 811.

The host 800 can include a central processing unit (CPU), the operation controller 110 shown in FIG. 1 or the physical adaptive control signal handler 216.

The baseband processor 801 can include the baseband processor 100 shown in FIG. 1 as it is.

In particular, an RS frame demodulated and error-corrected by the baseband processor 801 is outputted to the RS frame handler 802, while FIC is outputted to the FIC handler 806. The FIC handler 806 parses the FIC delivered from the baseband processor 801 and stores FIC data of the parsing result in the channel/service map DB 808 via the host 800. The channel/service map DB 808 stores information on all service maps to enable a receiver to access thereto. And, the channel/service map DB 808 plays a role in enabling the host 800 to use the information if necessary. In this case, the ‘access’ means that a presence or non-presence of a service no matter what the receiver can consume it. Yet, in case of a service that targets a specific receiver provided by a service provider, receivers except the specific receiver may not be able to access the database. And, the channel-service map DB 808 may correspond to the storage unit 290 shown in FIG. 1.

The RS frame handler 802 processes IP based A/V mobile service data from the RS frame transmitted by the baseband processor 801 with a predetermined time interval (e.g., MH frame) set up by the host 800 and then outputs the processed data to the A/V decoder 803. The A/V mobile service data decoded by the A/V decoder 803 is provided to a user via the screen and speaker of the display module 804.

If SMT section is included in the RS frame, the RS frame handler 802 outputs the SMT section to the SMT handler 807. The SMT handler 807 completes a single SMT by gathering at least one or more SMT sections together. The completed SMT is parsed and the parsing result is then stored in the channel/service map DB 808 via the host 800. If the SMT is parsed, it is able to obtain MH ensemble level signaling information, IP access information of each virtual channel belonging to a corresponding MH ensemble having each SMT included therein and IP stream component level information necessary for a service of a corresponding virtual channel.

In this case, if service_type field of the parsed SMT is 0x03 (i.e., data only service) or 0x04 (i.e., combination service), the host 800 checks whether a value of RTP_payload_type field indicates a DSM-CC data delivery. If the value of the RTP_payload_type field is 0x38, i.e., if this value indicates the DSM-CC data delivery, the RS frame handler 802 is controlled to enable DSM-CC data within the RS frame to be outputted to the DSM-CC handler 809.

The DSM-CC group and module within a data carousel carrying the DSM-CC data can have a specific PID or shared PID. In this case, the PID is used as position reference information. If the position reference information is not specifically given, a position is endowed from such a control message as DSI and DII. Arrows in FIG. 31 or FIG. 32 indicate access information for obtaining a message indicated by an arrow.

The DSM-CC handler 809 can further include a DSM-CC memory (not shown in the drawing) and identifies DSI/DII message and DDB from the DSM-CC data using the position informations. According to the identified DSI/DII message, the DSM-CC handler 809 enables the received DSM-CC download content to be stored per data block in the DSM-CC memory. Alternatively, the DSM-CC memory can be replaced by the storage unit 290 shown in FIG. 1.

In this case, if such a download time descriptor as shown in FIG. 33 is included in the DSI message, the DSM-CC handler 809 displays a download estimated time of a corresponding DSM-CC group, as shown in FIG. 37, in OSD form via the display module 804. If the download time descriptor is included in the DII message, the download estimated time of the corresponding DSM-CC module is displayed on the screen.

If a CRC descriptor, as shown in FIG. 34, is included in the DII message, the DSM-CC handler 809 is able to perform error correction of the corresponding DSM-CC module using the CRC32 field value parsed from the CRC descriptor.

If the reception of the DSM-CC download content is completed by the DSM-CC handler 809, the DSM-CC download content is stored in the contents storage unit 810. In this case, the download estimated time is displayed until the reception of the DSM-CC download content is completed.

The contents processor 811 drives a corresponding application according to a user request and then provide the user with the DSC-CC download content stored in the contents storage unit 810. In this case, if the DSM-CC download content is interconnected to the A/V mobile service, a DSM-CC download content corresponding to the A/V mobile service is simultaneously provided to the user. The DSM-CC download content corresponding to the A/V mobile service can be synchronized using a time stamp of RTP within a corresponding IP packet. And, a presence or non-presence of interconnection between the A/V mobile service and the DSM-CC data content can be acquired from a value of service_type field of SMT.

As mentioned in the above description, the present invention encapsulates A/V mobile service data and DSM-CC data into IP packet according to RTP, UDP and IP, hereby providing a user with the A/V mobile service interconnected to a corresponding DSM-CC download content.

And, the present invention transmits signaling information for receiving a download content using DSM-CC by having the signaling information included in a program table (e.g., SMT, EMT), thereby enabling a receiver, which does not support Flute, to receive the download content.

Moreover, the present invention provides a user with a download estimated time taken to download a DSM-CC group or a DSM-CC module, thereby facilitating the user to download it.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A method of transmitting a broadcast signal in a transmitter, the method comprising: multiplexing mobile data and main data; and transmitting a transmission frame including the multiplexed mobile and main data, wherein a parade of data groups is transmitted during slots within the transmission frame, the slots being basic time periods for multiplexing of the mobile data and the main data, wherein each data group includes the mobile data, signaling information and regularly spaced known data sequences, wherein the signaling information includes fast information channel (FIC) data having binding information between a service of the mobile data and an ensemble and transmission parameter channel (TPC) data indicating a version of the FIC data, wherein the FIC data includes an identifier of the ensemble and information indicating a number of services carried through the ensemble, wherein the FIC data is divided to a plurality of FIC segments, and each FIC segment includes an FIC segment header and is transmitted in each of the data groups, wherein the ensemble includes the service and a signaling table describing the service, and wherein the ensemble is RS-CRC (Reed Solomon—cyclic redundancy check) encoded through a 2-dimensional Reed-Solomon (RS) frame; and each row of a payload of the RS frame includes a transport packet of the mobile data; wherein the signaling table includes a service map table (SMT) which provides IP address information and IP component level information for the service; wherein the SMT includes a flag indicating whether or not the IP address information is an IPv4 address.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the SMT includes a descriptor which provides information about a start time, duration and title of a current program.
 3. A method of receiving a broadcast signal in a receiver, the method comprising: receiving a broadcast signal including a transmission frame, wherein a parade of data groups in the broadcast signal is received during slots within the transmission frame, the slots being basic time periods for multiplexing of mobile data and main data, and wherein each data group includes the mobile data, signaling information and regularly spaced known data sequences; demodulating the broadcast signal and obtaining, from the signaling information, fast information channel (FIC) data including binding information between a service of the mobile data and an ensemble and transmission parameter channel (TPC) data indicating a version of the FIC data, wherein the FIC data includes an identifier of the ensemble and information indicating a number of services carried through the ensemble, wherein the FIC data is divided to a plurality of FIC segments, and each FIC segment includes an FIC segment header and is received in each of the data groups, and wherein the ensemble includes the service and a signaling table describing the service; building a Reed-Solomon (RS) frame corresponding to the ensemble by collecting a plurality of data portions which are mapped to the data groups, wherein the RS frame is a 2-dimensional data frame through which the ensemble is RS-CRC (Reed Solomon—cyclic redundancy check) encoded, and each row of a payload of the RS frame includes a transport packet of the mobile data; and decoding the RS frame; wherein the signaling table includes a service map table (SMT) which provides IP address information and IP component level information for the service; wherein the SMT includes a flag indicating whether or not the IP address information is an IPv4 address.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the SMT includes a descriptor which provides information about a start time, duration and title of a current program.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein decoding the RS frame comprising: performing error detection on the RS frame by calculating CRC data; and performing error correction decoding on data in the RS frame by RS decoding.
 6. An apparatus for transmitting a broadcast signal, the apparatus comprising: a multiplexer configured to multiplex mobile data and main data; and a transmission unit configured to transmit a transmission frame including the multiplexed mobile and main data, wherein a parade of data groups is transmitted during slots within the transmission frame, the slots being basic time periods for multiplexing of the mobile data and the main data, wherein each data group includes the mobile data, signaling information and regularly spaced known data sequences, wherein the signaling information includes fast information channel (FIC) data having binding information between a service of the mobile data and an ensemble and transmission parameter channel (TPC) data indicating a version of the FIC data, wherein the FIC data includes an identifier of the ensemble and information indicating a number of services carried through the ensemble, wherein the FIC data is divided to a plurality of FIC segments, and each FIC segment includes an FIC segment header and is transmitted in each of the data groups, wherein the ensemble includes the service and a signaling table describing the service, and wherein the ensemble is RS-CRC (Reed Solomon—cyclic redundancy check) encoded through a 2-dimensional Reed-Solomon (RS) frame which is data frame, and each row of a payload of the RS frame includes a transport packet of the mobile data; wherein the signaling table includes a service map table (SMT) which provides IP address information and IP component level information for the service; wherein the SMT includes a flag indicating whether or not the IP address information is an IPv4 address.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the SMT includes a descriptor which provides information about a start time, duration and title of a current program.
 8. An apparatus for receiving a broadcast signal, the apparatus comprising: a tuner configured to receive a broadcast signal including a transmission frame, wherein a parade of data groups in the broadcast signal is received during slots within the transmission frame, the slots being basic time periods for multiplexing of mobile data and main data, and wherein each data group includes the mobile data, signaling information and regularly spaced known data sequences; a demodulator configured to demodulate the broadcast signal and obtaining, from the signaling information, fast information channel (FIC) data including binding information between a service of the mobile data and an ensemble and transmission parameter channel (TPC) data indicating a version of the FIC data, wherein the FIC data includes an identifier of the ensemble and information indicating a number of services carried through the ensemble, wherein the FIC data is divided to a plurality of FIC segments, and each FIC segment includes an FIC segment header and is received in each of the data groups, and wherein the ensemble includes the service and a signaling table describing the service; and an RS frame decoder configured to build a Reed-Solomon (RS) frame corresponding to the ensemble by collecting a plurality of data portions which are mapped to the data groups, and decode the RS frame, wherein the RS frame is a 2-dimensional data frame through which the ensemble is RS-CRC (Reed Solomon—cyclic redundancy check) encoded, and each row of a payload of the RS frame includes a transport packet of the mobile data; wherein the signaling table includes a service map table (SMT) which provides IP address information and IP component level information for the service; wherein the SMT includes a flag indicating whether or not the IP address information is an IPv4 address.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the SMT includes a descriptor which provides information about a start time, duration and title of a current program.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the RS frame decoder is configured to perform error detection on the RS frame by calculating CRC data; and perform error correction decoding on data in the RS frame by RS decoding. 